The Election Commission has ordered a redo of voting at 15 polling stations in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas, specifically in Magarhat West and Diamond Harbour seats, for the 2026 Assembly polls. The original April 29 polls at these locations stand cancelled due to reported issues, with repolling set for May 2 from morning 7 to evening 6.
Based on submissions from returning officers and independent observers, the EC applied provisions under the 1951 Representation of the People Act to scrap the tainted votes. This proactive step aims to safeguard democratic principles in a politically charged atmosphere.
Breaking down the booths: Magarhat West accounts for 11, featuring schools like Uttar Yerpur FP (Room 2), Nazra FP (Rooms 1-2), Deula FP (Room 1), Ghola Noyapara Girls Madrasa (Room 2), and others including Ektara Malaya and Bahirpuia Kurkuria facilities with multiple rooms.
In Diamond Harbour, the four impacted sites are Bagda Junior High, Chanda FP School (Room 2), Haridevpur FP, and Raynagar FP (Room 2). Local administration must disseminate information aggressively via announcements and direct candidate alerts.
As West Bengal gears up for May 4 results, this repoll could influence outcomes in these key constituencies. It serves as a reminder of the EC’s vigilance against booth-level malpractices, ensuring every vote counts in the battle for state power.
