Election Commission cracks down on poll irregularities: All booths in West Bengal’s Falta seat to revote on May 21. This bold step addresses ‘serious electoral offenses’ that marred the April 29 polling in the 144-Falta constituency.
Hours after locals erupted in protests over security lapses, the ECI intervened decisively. In South 24 Parganas, agitated villagers jammed roads, led by women brandishing BJP banners, demanding justice post-voting chaos.
CRPF forces rushed in to calm the unrest, promising airtight security. The repoll will cover every one of the 285 stations from dawn to dusk on May 21, with results tallied May 24.
Bengal’s twin-phase elections have set a new benchmark with 93% voter participation – eclipsing national records and the landmark 2011 polls that propelled Mamata Banerjee to power.
With May 4 counting looming, most exit polls forecast the end of TMC’s long reign, fueling speculation of a dramatic power shift. Falta’s redo highlights the high stakes and ECI’s zero-tolerance for disruptions in India’s vibrant democracy.
