Kolkata, May 24, 2026: The high-stakes repolling in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency concluded on May 21, 2026, with a remarkable voter turnout of over 87% across all 285 polling booths. The repoll was necessitated after the Election Commission countermanded the original polling held on April 29, 2026, due to serious allegations of EVM tampering and electoral irregularities. Counting of votes began early Sunday morning, May 24, under tight security arrangements, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Debangshu Panda leading in the initial rounds, according to data from the Election Commission of India.
The repolling process was closely monitored by central security forces, ensuring a peaceful environment despite previous complaints of malpractices. According to official reports, voter turnout reached 88% by the end of the day, reflecting strong public participation in the electoral process. The Election Commission had deployed enhanced security measures, including Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), to prevent any recurrence of irregularities. Earlier reports had indicated a turnout of 74% by 3 p.m. on polling day, which further increased as the day progressed.
In a significant development ahead of the repoll, Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Jahangir Khan announced his withdrawal from the contest on May 19, 2026. Khan, in a press conference, stated that his decision was driven by the announcement of a special development package for Falta by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. “In the interest of Falta’s development, I am withdrawing from this election,” Khan said. The TMC, while acknowledging Khan’s decision as personal, did not field any replacement candidate, leaving the field with six officially contesting candidates as per Election Commission records.
The counting process, which began at 8 a.m. on May 24, 2026, is being conducted in multiple rounds, with a total of 21 rounds scheduled for the day. As of the latest update, BJP’s Debangshu Panda was leading over CPI(M)’s Sambhu Nath Kurmi, according to provisional data released by the Election Commission. The results are expected to be declared later in the day, following the completion of all counting rounds. The Election Commission has reiterated that the entire process is being conducted with strict adherence to transparency and security protocols.
The repolling in Falta was triggered after the original polling on April 29, 2026, was declared void due to credible reports of EVM tampering and procedural lapses. The constituency, located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, is one of the key seats in the state’s Assembly elections. The decision to countermand the polling underscored the Election Commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, even as it led to delays and additional logistical challenges.
Political observers have noted that the outcome of the Falta repoll could have broader implications for the political landscape in West Bengal, particularly in the context of the ongoing Assembly elections. The high voter turnout and peaceful conduct of the repoll have been seen as positive indicators of public faith in the electoral system. Meanwhile, both the BJP and CPI(M) have expressed confidence in their respective candidates, with campaigning activities intensifying in the days leading up to the repoll.
As the counting progresses, all eyes are on Falta, where the results will determine the next representative for the constituency. The Election Commission has assured that any further irregularities will be addressed promptly, and the final outcome will be declared only after thorough verification of all votes.
