Bengal re-polling at 15 booths: 16.23% turnout in first 2 hours, peaceful so far
Synopsis
Re-polling at 15 disputed booths in South 24 Parganas kicked off peacefully on 2 May, with 16.23% turnout in the first two hours. Some voters at Magrahat (Paschim) are questioning why a re-poll was ordered at all — saying they saw no violence on the original polling day of 29 April.
Key Takeaways
Re-polling began at 7 am IST on 2 May across 15 booths in South 24 Parganas , West Bengal.
Average turnout stood at 16.23% in the first two hours, as per the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal .
Magrahat (Paschim) recorded 16.58% across 11 booths; Diamond Harbour logged 15.83% across 4 booths.
Polling is under central forces security cover, assisted by state police.
Some voters at Magrahat (Paschim) questioned the re-poll order, saying they witnessed no violence on 29 April .
Votes will be counted on 4 May , with results declared the same day.
Re-polling at 15 polling booths across two Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, commenced peacefully at 7 am IST on Saturday, 2 May, with an average voter turnout of 16.23% recorded in the first two hours till 9 am. The exercise, ordered for booths under the Magrahat (Paschim) and Diamond Harbour constituencies, is being conducted under blanket central forces security, assisted by state police personnel.
Constituency-Wise Turnout Figures
According to figures released by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, the 11 booths under Magrahat (Paschim) recorded an average polling percentage of 16.58% by 9 am. The four booths under Diamond Harbour constituency logged a slightly lower 15.83% in the same period. Voting is taking place at booths 46, 126, 127, 128, 142, 214, 215, 216, 230, 231, 232 in Magrahat (Paschim) and booths 117, 179, 194, 243 in Diamond Harbour.
Voters Report No Tension, Some Question Re-Polling Order
Voters standing in queues at both Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) booths told media persons that there had been absolutely no tension on the re-polling day. However, some voters at Magrahat (Paschim) booths said they did not understand the justification for the re-poll. They contended that they had not witnessed any violence during the original polling day on 29 April, raising questions about the Election Commission's decision to order fresh voting at their respective booths.
Polling Schedule and Security Arrangements
Polling at all 15 booths is officially scheduled to continue until 6 pm IST. As per standard electoral protocol, if voters are found standing in queues at the time of closure, polling will continue until the last voter in line has cast their ballot. The re-polling is being conducted under heavy central forces deployment, reflecting the Election Commission's intent to ensure a free and fair process at booths where the original poll was disputed.
Background: West Bengal's Two-Phase Assembly Elections
Both Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) constituencies were part of the second phase of West Bengal's two-phase Assembly elections, which was held on 29 April. The first phase, conducted on 23 April, covered 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase covered the remaining 142 constituencies. Counting of votes for the entire state is scheduled for 4 May, with results expected to be declared on the same day. The re-polling outcome at these 15 booths will be factored into the final count.
Point of View
On the surface, reassuring — but the more telling detail is the voter pushback at Magrahat (Paschim), where residents say they saw no violence on the original polling day. If the Election Commission ordered re-polls without a clearly communicated rationale, it risks undermining voter confidence in the process itself. West Bengal's electoral history is fraught with allegations of booth capturing and intimidation, making the Commission's decisions here politically loaded regardless of intent. The real test will be whether the final results at these 15 booths meaningfully diverge from the 29 April trend — and whether any party uses that divergence as grounds for a broader challenge.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is re-polling being held at 15 booths in West Bengal?
Re-polling was ordered at 15 booths under the Magrahat (Paschim) and Diamond Harbour Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas after concerns were raised about the conduct of the original poll held on 29 April. The Election Commission directed fresh voting at these specific booths to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
What was the voter turnout in the first two hours of re-polling?
The average turnout across all 15 booths was 16.23% in the first two hours till 9 am on 2 May, according to figures from the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal. Magrahat (Paschim) recorded 16.58% and Diamond Harbour recorded 15.83%.
When will the results of the West Bengal Assembly elections be declared?
Counting of votes is scheduled for 4 May 2025, and results are expected to be declared on the same day. The re-polling outcome at the 15 booths will be included in the final count.
Which booths are covered under the re-polling order?
Re-polling is taking place at booths 46, 126, 127, 128, 142, 214, 215, 216, 230, 231, 232 in Magrahat (Paschim) and booths 117, 179, 194, 243 in Diamond Harbour constituency.
How were the West Bengal Assembly elections structured?
West Bengal's Assembly elections were held in two phases — the first phase on 23 April covered 152 constituencies, and the second phase on 29 April covered the remaining 142 constituencies, including Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim).
