KOLKATA: In a sweeping and rare decision, the Election Commission of India has annulled the April 29 polling in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency and ordered fresh voting across all 285 booths. The directive comes in response to what the poll body termed “severe electoral offences,” marking one of the most extensive repoll orders in recent electoral history.
The constituency, located in South 24 Parganas district, has been at the center of controversy following allegations of large-scale irregularities, including tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and threats issued to voters. The repoll is now scheduled for May 21, with counting set for May 24.
#BREAKING | Election Commission of India orders fresh polling in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly Constituency.
The Election Commission of India has directed re-polling at all 285 polling stations (including auxiliary) in 144-Falta AC on May 21, 2026 (7 AM–6 PM). Vote counting is…
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) May 2, 2026
The crisis escalated after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lodged multiple complaints accusing ruling party affiliates of manipulating EVMs. Reports submitted to the Commission highlighted disturbing practices such as covering buttons corresponding to certain parties with adhesive tape, marking them with ink, and even applying substances like attar to detect voter choices—allegations that, if proven, strike at the heart of electoral secrecy.
Adding to the volatile atmosphere were accusations against local leaders allegedly linked to the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Protesters in Hasimnagar village claimed that Israfil, a local panchayat pradhan and an associate of TMC candidate Jehangir Khan, threatened residents with violence and arson after results were declared.
🚨 BREAKING! Panic in Falta as locals pour onto the roads in protest.
FEAR is rising in this rural belt over Central Forces pulling out after Monday.
-> Locals say threats have already begun 😳BJP says TMC could go to any extent once the forces leave. pic.twitter.com/S8mO63PbUV
— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) May 2, 2026
Amit Malviya, who is in-charge of BJP’s National Information & Technology Dept. Co-incharge West Bengal took to X to expose the irregularities during the elections in Falta. He came down heavily on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for defending criminal and TMC candidate Jehangir Khan. Malviya stated, that allegations had emerged claiming that in several polling booths, voters were unable to cast their votes freely due to reported tampering with voting machines, including instances where certain options were allegedly obstructed.
https://x.com/amitmalviya/status/2049360397107617827?s=20
Hundreds of villagers, including women carrying BJP flags, took to the streets demanding a repoll and security assurances. The protests quickly intensified, with road blockades and calls for central intervention.
In response, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was deployed to restore order and reassure voters of their safety.
Hindu voters and others threatened by TMC goons
Following reports of threat and barring Hindu voters from casting their votes, Election commission has announced Repolling in Falta AC
Election Commission Rocks ❤️👍
Following reports of threat and barring Hindu voters from casting their votes, Election commission as announced Repolling in Falta AC. Repolling to be held on May 21st.
Counting of votes on May 24Bhaipo model+Jahangir model game over.
Watch… pic.twitter.com/zwXTPjFVzy
— Oxomiya Jiyori 🇮🇳 (@SouleFacts) May 2, 2026
Residents of Falta in South 24 Parganas are protesting ahead of Bengal’s May 4 vote count, alleging that TMC leaders are threatening them with violence
Residents of Falta in South 24 Parganas are protesting ahead of Bengal's May 4 vote count, alleging that TMC leaders are threatening them with violence. CRPF and RAF personnel, including an armoured vehicle, have been deployed at the site
A local woman alleged that… pic.twitter.com/UaKRxdxdOQ
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) May 2, 2026
Report of irregularities in EVM machines at Falta submitted to ECI
According to reports, ballot unit buttons on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were found covered with black masking tape in multiple polling booths. This development indicated that voters were obstructed from exercising their choice freely.
🚨 Serious irregularities reported from #Falta constituency submitted to the Election Commission of India.
According to the report:
• Ballot Unit polling buttons on EVMs were allegedly found covered with black masking tape, raising concerns over obstruction of voting choice in… pic.twitter.com/iyoikrAPeG
— The Frustrated Indian (@FrustIndian) May 2, 2026
In addition, there are allegations that some ballot buttons were marked using perfume-based substances. These markers were reportedly intended to identify or track voters who selected a particular candidate, raising serious concerns about the secrecy of the ballot.
