Fresh voting was conducted in the Falta Assembly Constituency of West Bengal on May 21 after allegations of electoral irregularities during the earlier polling phase. According to election officials, the re-poll witnessed a strong voter turnout of nearly 88 percent across 258 polling booths, reflecting enthusiastic public participation despite the controversy surrounding the constituency.

Polling began at 7:00 AM and continued peacefully until 6:00 PM under strict security arrangements. Officials are expected to announce the final election results on May 24.

Why Re-Polling Was Conducted in Falta

The Falta Assembly seat had originally gone to polls on April 29 during the second phase of the recently concluded two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections.

However, multiple complaints regarding alleged irregularities surfaced on polling day, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.

One of the most serious allegations involved Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Opposition leaders and voters reportedly claimed that:

• Buttons corresponding to BJP candidates and election symbols were allegedly covered with white tape at several polling booths
• Voters faced confusion while casting ballots
• Questions were raised over polling integrity

The controversy eventually led authorities to order fresh polling in affected booths.

Massive Voter Participation During Re-Poll

Despite political tension and heightened scrutiny, voter participation remained very high during the re-polling process.

Election officials stated that:

• Nearly 88% turnout was recorded
• Voting remained largely peaceful
• Polling personnel completed the process smoothly
• Security arrangements were intensified at sensitive booths

Authorities deployed additional surveillance and monitoring systems to ensure:

• Transparent voting
• Peaceful polling
• Prevention of disruptions
• Proper functioning of EVMs

TMC Candidate Jahangir Khan Announces Withdrawal

In a major political development ahead of the re-poll, Jahangir Khan announced that he would not contest the election this time.

The announcement attracted significant attention because Khan was contesting as a candidate of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).

During his statement, Khan also expressed trust in the assurances made by the Chief Minister regarding development initiatives and welfare measures for the Falta region.

Candidate Name Still Appeared on EVMs

Despite Jahangir Khan’s public declaration that he would not participate further in the contest, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) clarified that:

• His name would remain on the ballot
• The EVMs would continue displaying him as the official TMC candidate during the re-poll

This was because the withdrawal announcement reportedly came after the official election procedures had already progressed beyond the permitted withdrawal stage.

Tight Security and Monitoring During Voting

Election authorities said extensive preparations were completed ahead of the re-poll to avoid any repeat of earlier controversies.

Measures reportedly included:

• Increased deployment of security personnel
• Additional observers at polling booths
• Continuous monitoring systems
• Strict surveillance around sensitive areas

Officials stated that the administration aimed to ensure the voting process remained:

• Peaceful
• Transparent
• Free from intimidation or disruption

Political Importance of the Falta Seat

The Falta Assembly constituency has gained major political attention because of:

• The re-poll controversy
• Allegations involving EVM handling
• The unexpected announcement by the TMC candidate
• Intense competition between major political parties

The outcome of the seat is now being closely watched by political observers across the state.

Results Expected on May 24

The final counting of votes and official result declaration for the Falta constituency are expected on May 24.

Political parties are now waiting to see whether:

• The re-poll changes the electoral outcome
• Voter turnout impacts the final margin
• The controversy influences public sentiment

With high voter participation and heightened political focus, the Falta re-poll has emerged as one of the most closely watched electoral developments in West Bengal this election season.