Re-Polling Begins in Falta Amid Tight Security, Long Queues at Booths
IIE DIGITAL DESK ; South 24 Parganas, May 21: Re-polling began on Thursday morning across 285 booths in the Falta Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas amid tight security arrangements and visible enthusiasm among voters. Polling started at 7 am, with long queues seen outside several booths from the early hours of the day.
The Election Commission has deployed a large number of central security forces to ensure that the re-election process is conducted peacefully and without disruption. Quick Response Teams have also been kept on standby to deal with any untoward incidents during the voting process.
The political atmosphere in Falta took an unusual turn as the residence of Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan remained deserted on polling day. The gates of his house were reportedly locked, and there was no sign of the candidate in the area. In several polling booths, Trinamool Congress polling agents were also absent. Even at two booths located near Jahangir Khan’s residence, no TMC representatives were present.
The situation follows a dramatic development that unfolded 48 hours before the re-poll. On Tuesday, the final day of campaigning, Jahangir Khan publicly announced that he was withdrawing from the contest, stating, “I am not contesting this election.” However, since the deadline for withdrawal of candidature had already passed, his name continues to remain on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The re-poll was ordered after serious allegations of irregularities surfaced during the final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections held on April 29. Complaints were lodged regarding tampering of EVMs, including allegations that ink and adhesive tape had been applied to the machines in several booths of the Falta constituency. Opposition parties and local residents subsequently demanded fresh polling, prompting the Election Commission to order re-elections in the affected booths.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation throughout the day, while counting of votes for the re-poll is scheduled to take place on May 24.
You might also like!
