The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the cancellation of polling in 15 booths in West Bengal following allegations of irregularities during the second phase of the Assembly elections held on April 29. The decision comes after multiple complaints of malpractice were reported from South 24 Parganas district.
According to official sources, the ECI annulled voting in 15 polling stations spread across two constituencies after receiving reports from returning officers and election observers. The reports highlighted alleged irregularities during the polling process, prompting immediate action from the Commission.
The affected booths include 11 polling stations in the Magrahat West Assembly constituency and 4 polling stations in Diamond Harbour. The ECI has directed authorities to conduct repolling in these booths on May 2, with voting scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm under tight security arrangements.
Officials stated that the decision was based on allegations of rigging and EVM-related irregularities reported during the second phase of polling. The issue has gained political attention as Diamond Harbour is represented by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, adding further sensitivity to the matter.
The Election Commission has also deployed special observer Subrata Gupta to assess the situation and examine complaints raised by the BJP. Based on his findings and supporting evidence, repolling was deemed necessary. With counting of votes scheduled for May 4, authorities have stepped up security measures to ensure a smooth and peaceful polling process.