ECI orders FIRs against TMC candidate's aides in Falta over voter threats
Synopsis
With counting just days away, the Election Commission has ordered FIRs against aides of TMC's Falta candidate Jahangir Khan for allegedly threatening villagers over their voting choice — while a Special Observer's recommendation of re-polling in 30 booths over taped EVM buttons remains pending. The Falta seat has become one of West Bengal's most closely watched flashpoints of the 2025 elections.
Key Takeaways
The ECI directed Diamond Harbour District Police to register FIRs against aides of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan on 2 May 2025 .
Villagers accused Khan's associates of threatening them for voting for the BJP .
Police warned of strong disciplinary action if they fail to comply with ECI's directions.
Special Observer Subrata Gupta recommended re-polling in 30 booths in Falta; ECI decision pending.
BJP alleged EVM buttons next to its candidate's name were covered with white tape in some booths.
Vote counting for West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for 4 May 2025 .
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday, 2 May directed the Diamond Harbour District Police in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, to immediately register First Information Reports (FIRs) against close associates of Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan from the Falta Assembly constituency. The aides stand accused by villagers of threatening them and their family members with dire consequences for voting for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
ECI Warning to Police
The Commission has issued a stern warning to the Diamond Harbour District Police, cautioning of strong disciplinary action against the officers concerned if they fail to comply with its directions and register FIRs against those accused of threatening voters. The warning was confirmed by sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.
Re-Polling Demand in Falta
All Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district, including Falta, went to the polls in the second phase of the two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections on April 29. ECI-appointed Special Observer Subrata Gupta on Friday recommended re-polling in 30 polling booths in Falta, though the Commission is yet to take a formal decision on the matter.
The BJP had demanded re-polling across the entire Falta constituency after allegations emerged that in some booths, the EVM buttons next to the name and photograph of the BJP candidate were covered with white tape — a claim that drew national scrutiny.
Background: The Jahangir Khan Controversy
Falta had drawn national attention even before polling day, following a reported confrontation between Jahangir Khan and ECI-appointed Special Police Observer Ajay Pal Sharma, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. On polling day itself, there were reports of sporadic poll-related violence from Falta and adjacent Assembly constituencies under the Diamond Harbour subdivision.
What Happens Next
The two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections were held on April 23 and April 29. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, with results to be declared the same day. The ECI's intervention — combining FIR orders and a police warning — signals heightened scrutiny over post-poll conduct in South 24 Parganas as the counting date approaches.
Point of View
EVM-tampering allegations, sporadic violence, and now voter intimidation complaints. What is notable is that the Special Observer's re-polling recommendation has been sitting unacted upon, even as counting looms on May 4. The Commission's willingness to crack down on police inaction while delaying a re-poll decision will be closely read as a test of its institutional independence in a politically charged West Bengal contest.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the ECI ordered FIRs in Falta, West Bengal?
The ECI ordered the Diamond Harbour District Police to register FIRs against close associates of TMC candidate Jahangir Khan after villagers alleged they were threatened with dire consequences for voting for the BJP. The order came on 2 May 2025, days before vote counting on May 4.
What is the re-polling demand in Falta about?
The BJP demanded re-polling across the entire Falta constituency, alleging that EVM buttons next to its candidate's name and photograph were covered with white tape in some booths. ECI-appointed Special Observer Subrata Gupta recommended re-polling in 30 booths, but the Commission has not yet issued a final decision.
Who is Jahangir Khan and why is he in the news?
Jahangir Khan is the Trinamool Congress candidate from the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. He drew national attention before polling after a reported confrontation with ECI-appointed Special Police Observer Ajay Pal Sharma, an IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
When will West Bengal election results be declared?
Counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for 4 May 2025, with results expected to be declared the same day. The elections were held in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
What action has the ECI threatened against Diamond Harbour Police?
The ECI has warned of strong disciplinary action against the officers concerned in Diamond Harbour District Police if they fail to register FIRs against those accused of threatening voters in Falta. The warning was confirmed by sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal.
