Bengal BJP backs EC re-polling at 15 booths, demands more in Diamond Harbour
Synopsis
The Election Commission has ordered re-polling at just 15 booths in West Bengal — but BJP leaders say that barely scratches the surface. With EVM tampering allegations still live in Falta and demands for 60-booth coverage in Diamond Harbour, Saturday's limited re-poll may resolve little of the underlying political dispute.
Key Takeaways
ECI has ordered re-polling at 15 booths in Magrahat (Paschim) (11 booths) and Diamond Harbour (4 booths) in South 24 Parganas , scheduled for Saturday .
Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) welcomed the Magrahat order but demanded re-polling in at least 60 booths in Diamond Harbour or across the entire Falta segment .
The ECI ordered a separate investigation into alleged EVM tampering involving the BJP candidate from Falta .
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh rejected the re-polling demand, calling it forceful, and claimed TMC would win all re-polled booths by a big majority.
Phase 2 of West Bengal's Assembly elections was held on 29 April .
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered re-polling at 15 polling booths across two West Bengal Assembly constituencies — Magrahat (Paschim) and Diamond Harbour, both in South 24 Parganas district — following complaints of voting irregularities during the second phase of the state's Assembly elections held on 29 April. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates have welcomed the decision but are pushing for the order to cover a wider number of booths.
Key Developments
Of the 15 booths where re-polling is scheduled for Saturday, 11 fall under Magrahat (Paschim) and four under Diamond Harbour. The ECI had also ordered a thorough investigation following complaints of alleged tampering of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) button placed beside the name and symbol of the BJP candidate from the Falta constituency.
What BJP Leaders Said
Suvendu Adhikari, BJP candidate from the Bhabanipur and Nandigram constituencies, hailed the re-polling order for Magrahat West but argued it falls short for Diamond Harbour.
Point of View
A 4-booth re-poll in Diamond Harbour will look inadequate in hindsight. West Bengal has a documented history of booth-level contestation, and the Commission's tight perimeter here may invite accusations of under-correction. The TMC's confidence that it will win re-polled booths regardless is either a show of strength or a political gamble — either way, Saturday's results will be watched closely as a proxy for the broader electoral dispute.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Election Commission ordered re-polling in West Bengal?
The ECI ordered re-polling at 15 booths in Magrahat (Paschim) and Diamond Harbour following complaints of EVM tampering and voting irregularities during the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections held on 29 April. A separate investigation into alleged EVM button tampering in the Falta constituency is also underway.
Why is the BJP demanding re-polling in more booths?
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has argued that re-polling in only four booths in Diamond Harbour is insufficient, demanding coverage of at least 60 booths or the entire Falta segment. The party contends that the scale of alleged EVM tampering warrants a broader corrective action.
What is the Trinamool Congress's position on the re-polling?
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh has rejected the re-polling demand, calling it a forceful imposition. He claimed that voting was peaceful and expressed confidence that the TMC would win with a big majority in every booth where re-polling is held.
When will re-polling take place and where?
Re-polling is scheduled for Saturday across 15 booths — 11 in Magrahat (Paschim) and 4 in Diamond Harbour, both in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
What is the significance of the Falta EVM tampering complaint?
The ECI ordered a thorough investigation after complaints that the EVM button beside the BJP candidate's name and symbol in Falta was allegedly tampered with. No re-polling order has been issued for Falta yet, but the investigation remains ongoing and its findings could trigger further action.
