Bengal re-polling: 55.57% turnout in 6 hours at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas
Synopsis
Re-polling at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas is proceeding peacefully with over 55% turnout in six hours — a notable contrast to the disturbances that triggered the fresh vote. With counting just two days away on 4 May, the calm at Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) could influence the final seat tally in a closely watched Bengal election.
Key Takeaways
Re-polling at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas , West Bengal began at 7 a.m. on 2 May under heavy central forces deployment.
Combined average turnout reached 55.57% in the first six hours till 1 p.m.
Magrahat (Paschim) recorded 54.9% turnout across its 11 booths ; Diamond Harbour recorded 56.33% across 4 booths .
Voters at both constituencies reported no tension during the re-polling day.
Polling is scheduled to end at 6 p.m. , with provision for late voters still in queue.
Vote counting for all 294 West Bengal Assembly seats is set for 4 May .
Re-polling at 15 polling booths across two Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, proceeded peacefully on Saturday, 2 May, with a combined average voter turnout of 55.57% recorded in the first six hours of polling till 1 p.m., according to figures released by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal. The exercise, which began at 7 a.m., is being conducted under blanket security coverage of central forces assisted by state police personnel.
Constituency-wise Turnout
Of the 15 booths, 11 fall under the Magrahat (Paschim) Assembly constituency, where the average polling percentage stood at 54.9% till 1 p.m. The remaining four booths under the Diamond Harbour constituency recorded a slightly higher average of 56.33% during 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.
Calm on the Ground
Voters standing in queues at both Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) booths told media persons that there had been absolutely no tension on re-polling day. The atmosphere contrasted sharply with the circumstances that necessitated the re-poll in the first place. Central forces deployed at each booth ensured orderly queues and uninterrupted voting.
Background: Why Re-Polling Was Ordered
Both Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) Assembly constituencies had gone to the polls during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on 29 April. The two-phase polls were conducted on 23 April and 29 April, covering 152 and 142 Assembly constituencies respectively. Irregularities or disturbances reported at these specific booths during the 29 April polling led election authorities to order a fresh vote at the 15 affected booths. This is consistent with a pattern seen in previous West Bengal elections, where isolated booth-level violence or procedural violations have periodically triggered re-polling orders.
Polling Schedule and What Comes Next
Officially, polling at the 15 booths is scheduled to conclude at 6 p.m. on Saturday. However, as per standard Election Commission of India (ECI) protocol, voting will continue beyond 6 p.m. if voters are still standing in the queue at closing time, ensuring every eligible voter gets to cast their ballot. The counting of votes for the entire West Bengal Assembly election is scheduled for 4 May, when results for all 294 Assembly constituencies will be declared.
Point of View
In itself, a story — because it implicitly confirms that something went wrong the first time around on 29 April. West Bengal elections have a well-documented history of booth-level intimidation, and the deployment of central forces for a mere 15 booths underscores how seriously the Election Commission is treating the situation. The real question is whether the re-poll results at Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) shift any seat outcomes when counting begins on 4 May. In a close contest, even a handful of booths can be decisive — and that is precisely why re-polling orders carry political weight beyond their administrative routine.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is re-polling being held at 15 booths in West Bengal?
Re-polling was ordered at 15 booths across Diamond Harbour and Magrahat (Paschim) constituencies in South 24 Parganas after irregularities or disturbances were reported during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on 29 April. The Election Commission of India directed a fresh vote to ensure free and fair polling at the affected booths.
What is the voter turnout in the West Bengal re-polling so far?
As of 1 p.m. on 2 May, the combined average turnout across all 15 booths stood at 55.57%, according to the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal. Magrahat (Paschim) recorded 54.9% and Diamond Harbour recorded 56.33% in the first six hours.
When will the West Bengal election results be declared?
Counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for 4 May 2025, when results for all 294 constituencies will be declared.
Which booths are covered under the re-polling?
Re-polling is being held 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 — all located in South 24 Parganas district.
What security arrangements are in place for the re-polling?
The re-polling is being conducted under blanket security coverage of central forces assisted by state police personnel, ensuring orderly and peaceful voting at all 15 booths.
