Re-polling, as directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), has commenced for 15 polling booths across two Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. These booths include 11 in Magrahat (Paschim) and four in Diamond Harbour, where voting took place in the second phase of the state’s Assembly elections on April 29.
Voting is currently ongoing at specific booths in Magrahat (Paschim) and Diamond Harbour until 6 P.M., with provisions to accommodate voters in queues at closing time. The polling process is being conducted under tight security measures, similar to the previous election phases in West Bengal.
While the ECI-appointed special poll observer recommended re-polling for 30 booths in Falta Assembly constituencies, a decision is pending from the Commission. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4, with reduced counting centers for enhanced security. Access to these centers will involve a stringent three-stage verification process for authorized personnel, party agents, and candidates.
To prevent post-poll violence, the ECI has decided to maintain 700 companies of CAPF in West Bengal until further notice, following incidents after the 2021 Assembly polls.
