Falta Assembly re-poll: 35 CAPF companies deployed for May 21 vote in South 24 Parganas
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has ordered a full re-poll for Falta Assembly after BJP candidates' EVM buttons were allegedly taped over on polling day. With 35 CAPF companies deployed and the TMC candidate's withdrawal announcement legally ineffective, the 21 May re-vote is shaping up as one of West Bengal's most watched — and most contested — electoral flashpoints of the season.
Key Takeaways
Re-polling for Falta Assembly constituency , South 24 Parganas , is scheduled for 21 May ; results on 24 May .
35 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will provide blanket security — unusually high for a single constituency.
The ECI ordered the re-poll after allegations that BJP candidates' EVM buttons were covered with white tape during the original 29 April vote.
Special poll observer Subrata Gupta conducted an on-ground inquiry whose findings triggered the ECI's re-poll order.
TMC candidate Jahangir Khan announced a withdrawal, but the CEO's office confirmed his name will remain on the ballot as the candidate list cannot be changed for a re-poll.
Final preparations for the re-polling of the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, are in full swing ahead of the scheduled vote on 21 May, with the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, confirming that polling personnel are in position and deployment activities are progressing without disruption. The re-poll was ordered by the Election Commission of India (ECI) after widespread complaints of electoral malpractice during the original vote on 29 April. Results are scheduled to be declared on 24 May.
Security Cover and Monitoring
The constituency will be placed under blanket security coverage by 35 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel — a deployment level described by insiders as significantly high for a single Assembly constituency. An official from the CEO's office stated: 'Continuous monitoring arrangements are in place to ensure that every aspect of the polling process remains smooth, all geared towards free, fair and peaceful polling tomorrow.'
Why the Re-Poll Was Ordered
Polling for Falta was originally conducted on 29 April as part of the second phase of West Bengal's two-phase Assembly elections. Multiple complaints of alleged electoral malpractices emerged from the constituency on that day. Among the most serious allegations: EVM buttons corresponding to the names and symbols of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates were reportedly covered with white tape at several polling booths.
Following these complaints, special poll observer Subrata Gupta — currently serving as adviser to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari — personally visited Falta and conducted an on-ground inquiry. Based on Gupta's findings, the ECI ordered re-polling across the entire constituency.
TMC Candidate's Withdrawal Announcement
In a notable development, All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan announced on Tuesday his decision to withdraw from the contest, citing faith in Chief Minister Adhikari's announced development package for Falta. However, the CEO's office moved swiftly to clarify that Khan's name would remain on the ballot regardless. 'Polling for the Falta Assembly constituency had already been conducted once on April 29. On May 21, it will just be a re-poll. So, nothing else changes, including the candidates contesting from Falta,' an official from the CEO's office said.
What Happens Next
With the re-poll set for 21 May, all eyes are on whether the heavy security presence will ensure an incident-free vote. The ECI's decision to deploy 35 CAPF companies signals that the commission is treating this as a high-sensitivity exercise. Counting will take place on 24 May, and the outcome is expected to carry significant political weight given the controversy surrounding the original poll.
Point of View
A state where electoral violence and malpractice allegations have dogged multiple cycles. Deploying 35 CAPF companies for a single constituency is an extraordinary measure — and an implicit acknowledgement that the original poll was compromised. The TMC candidate's announcement of withdrawal, rendered legally void by the CEO's office, adds a layer of political theatre that underscores the high stakes. What the commission cannot afford is a second controversy at the same booth.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is re-polling being held in Falta Assembly constituency?
The Election Commission of India ordered a re-poll for Falta after multiple complaints that BJP candidates' EVM buttons were allegedly covered with white tape at several booths during the original 29 April vote. Special poll observer Subrata Gupta's on-ground inquiry supported the allegations, prompting the ECI to annul the original poll and schedule a fresh vote.
When is the Falta re-poll and when will results be declared?
The Falta Assembly re-poll is scheduled for 21 May. Results will be declared on 24 May alongside other constituencies.
How many security forces are deployed for the Falta re-poll?
35 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel will be deployed across Falta — a level described by the CEO's office as significantly high for a single Assembly constituency.
Can TMC candidate Jahangir Khan withdraw from the Falta re-poll?
No. Despite Jahangir Khan publicly announcing his withdrawal on Tuesday, the CEO's office clarified that his name will remain on the ballot and on the EVM. Since the candidate list was finalised for the original 29 April poll, it cannot be altered for a re-poll.
Who conducted the inquiry into the Falta EVM tampering allegations?
Special poll observer Subrata Gupta, who also serves as adviser to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, personally visited Falta and conducted the inquiry. His findings formed the basis of the ECI's decision to order the re-poll.
