Bengal elections twist: EC orders repoll at 15 polling stations

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India has announced repolling at 15 polling stations in West Bengal, intensifying the political contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Trinamool Congress.

Where repolling will take place

According to officials, repolling will be held on May 2 at 11 polling stations in the 142-Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency and four polling stations in the 143-Diamond Harbour constituency, both located in South 24 Parganas district.

The decision comes amid complaints and concerns raised during the polling process.

Tensions rise ahead of counting day

The development comes just days before vote counting scheduled for May 4, with political tensions running high across the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier alleged possible irregularities and spent hours at a strong room in her Bhabanipur constituency, raising concerns over the safety of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal has rejected allegations of tampering, stating that there is “no scope for wrongdoing” at counting centres.

Security has been tightened at strong rooms across Kolkata and other districts, with police and central forces deployed to ensure the safety of EVMs.

The political war of words intensifies

Leaders from both parties have traded sharp accusations. BJP leaders have accused the ruling TMC of “panicking” ahead of results, while TMC leaders have flagged “serious loopholes” in strong room management.

The situation has led to heightened political rhetoric, with both sides trying to influence public perception before the final results.

The repolling order highlights the closely contested nature of the West Bengal elections and the high stakes involved for both parties.

With counting just days away, the focus remains on ensuring a transparent and secure electoral process, even as political tensions continue to escalate.