Vote Counting for Bengal’s Falta Assembly Repoll Underway

Counting of votes for the repolling in the Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal commenced at 8 a.m. on May 24, 2026. The repolling took place on May 21 after the initial voting on April 29 was countermanded due to serious allegations of EVM tampering and other irregularities. This repolling recorded an impressive turnout, with more than 87% of the 2.36 lakh electors casting their votes under heightened security measures.

Election Commission officials highlighted that adequate security arrangements were implemented, with approximately 35 companies of central forces deployed across the constituency to ensure a smooth electoral process. Despite the presence of officially six candidates in the contest, Trinamool Congress nominee Jahangir Khan withdrew just days prior to the repoll. His decision was characterized by the party as a personal choice, reflecting internal dynamics within the party ahead of this critical electoral exercise.

The backdrop of the repolling was marked by significant tension following the April 29 polling, resulting from multiple complaints regarding the integrity of the voting process. Allegations surfaced about the application of substances to EVMs and attempts to manipulate footage from web cameras at polling stations. These developments prompted the Election Commission to scrutinize the actions of various election officials, leading to the decisive call for repolling across all booths in the constituency.