Voting at 15 booths in West Bengal after EC orders repoll

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India has ordered repolling at 15 polling stations in West Bengal’s Diamond Harbour and Magrahat Paschim constituencies following complaints of irregularities during voting earlier this week.

According to an official directive, fresh polling is being held today at 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour. The Commission declared the earlier poll conducted on 29 April void at these locations after reviewing reports from Returning Officers and election observers.

In its order issued under Section 58(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission said all necessary arrangements had been made for the repoll, which will take place from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Authorities have also been instructed to ensure widespread public awareness, including announcements in the affected areas, and to notify contesting candidates formally.

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The affected booths in Magrahat Paschim include multiple polling stations at Uttar Yearpur, Najra, Deula, Ghola Noyapara, Ektara Malaya and Bahirpuya Kurkuriya, while those in Diamond Harbour include centres at Bagda, Chandra, Haridevpur and Roynagar.

The repoll follows two phases of voting in the state held on 23 and 29 April, which saw a record turnout of 92.47 per cent — the highest since Independence.

Counting of votes is scheduled for 4 May.

Meanwhile, the Commission remains on high alert amid concerns over potential post-poll unrest. Police in Kolkata have imposed restrictions on public gatherings in seven areas designated for vote counting. The move comes after members of the Trinamool Congress staged protests at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, alleging that ballot boxes were opened without their authorised representatives present.

West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, has rejected these allegations.