The voting started at 7 am across 285 polling booths, with more than 2.36 lakh eligible voters, including close to 1.15 lakh women and nine individuals from the third gender, according to PTI.
The Election Commission mandated a repoll after officials reported “serious electoral offences and undermining of the democratic process” during the initial polling on April 29, which was part of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
In an effort to avoid a recurrence of previous issues, security measures have been enhanced markedly.
Election officials indicated that 35 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed in the area, with eight personnel assigned to each booth—twice the earlier deployment of four, per PTI.
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Moreover, 30 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) are on standby to address any potential incidents. Security surveillance has been stepped up, featuring webcasting setups and multiple cameras installed at polling locations.
What is the controversy surrounding the Falta Assembly EVM?
The constituency has been politically charged since claims emerged that fragrant substances and adhesive tapes were used on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the April 29 voting.
Former Election Commission Special Observer Subrata Gupta reportedly visited the area and discovered signs of alleged tampering in at least 60 polling booths.
There were also attempts to manipulate footage from the web cameras set up at the polling places, raising concerns about the behavior of polling officials and election observers.
Jahangir Khan’s withdrawal creates a stir
The repoll has garnered attention due to Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan’s unexpected announcement of his withdrawal, known for his self-proclaimed “Pushpa” persona.
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Even though Khan announced on Tuesday, May 19, that he would not participate in the repoll, his name remains on the EVM, as the withdrawal deadline has already passed.
The BJP has nominated Debangshu Panda, while candidates from other parties include CPI(M)’s Sambhu Nath Kurmi and Congress’s Abdur Razzak Molla.
During the campaign, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari mocked Khan’s exit, stating, “Where is self-styled Pushpa? He had no other option, as he won’t have a polling agent, so he chose to flee,” according to PTI.
