New Delhi: After two phase of polling and re-voting in 15 wards of two constituencies of West Bengal, all eyes are on the counting of votes today. By the end
of the day voters in 293 of the state’s 294 assembly constituencies will get their representative except one, Falta.
Amid charges of severe electoral offences during the second phase of voting on April 29, the Election Commission (EC) has ordered a repoll for Falta constituency, currently held by TMC. TMC’s Jahangir Khan is up against BJP’s Debangshu Panda and Congress’ Razzak Molla. The main contest is said to be between TMC and BJP.
Why EC ordered re-polling on all booths in Falta
Repolling have been ordered on all 285 polling booths on the seat on May 21 with the counting of votes announced on May 24.
The EC decision came after observers flagged allegations of voter intimidation, unauthorised presence inside booths and possible tampering.
On April 29, the voting on the seat was marred by clashes between TMC and BJP workers with both parties accusing each other of vote tampering. The BJP alleged that the party symbol on an EVM was covered by a tape. Central forces, deployed in the state by EC, reached the spot and removed the tape after which voting resumed.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya in a post on X claimed that tape was placed on party symbol at two booths namely 144 and 189 in Falta. Complaints also demanded repolls at 77 booths in the state, of which 32 were in Falta alone.
BJP vs TMC slugfest over re-polling
While BJP has welcomed the EC move, TMC dared the saffron party to win the seat. In a post on X, TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said, “Ten lifetimes won’t be enough for your Bangla Birodhi Gujarati gang and their stooge Gyanesh Kumar to put even a dent in my DIAMOND HARBOUR MODEL, Bring everything you have got. I challenge the entire Union of India – Come to Falta. Send your strongest, send one of the godfathers from Delhi. If you have got the nerve, contest in Falta.”
Except Falta, counting of votes will take place on 293 assembly constituencies as both TMC and BJP have declared victory in the state. While TMC is looking to retain power in the state for another term, BJP will be hoping to be in power for the first time in the state.
