elections

The Election Commission has ordered re-polling in 15 booths in South 24 Parganas following EVM tampering complaints, while reviewing reports on Falta and a strongroom incident after Mamata Banerjee’s visit ahead of counting.

The Election Commission has completed preparations for counting votes in Kerala’s Assembly elections on May 4, with counting to begin at 8 am across 140 centres, as detailed protocols and guidelines have been issued for officials, political parties and the media.

At least three incidents of alleged post-poll violence were reported from Murshidabad, Malda and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, with police initiating probes as clashes, assaults and political allegations surfaced following the conclusion of high-turnout Assembly elections.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed the exit polls as “scripted” and alleged that they were “bought and paid for.” She claimed that the figures currently being aired on television were circulated from a BJP office and that media organisations were pressured into broadcasting them.

The Returning Officer (RO) of the Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency has recommended fresh polling in four specific booths. Confirming the development, Election Observer Subrata Gupta said that the recommendation has been submitted based on a preliminary scrutiny report.

The Chief Minister arrived at Sakhawat Memorial School in south Kolkata, a key distribution and reception centre for the Bhabanipur constituency, following the circulation of a viral video that purportedly showed unauthorised activity where EVMs and ballots are stored.

The Election Commission denied any malpractice in West Bengal strongrooms after the TMC alleged ballot tampering and shared a video, even as heavy security and large crowds gathered outside storage centres ahead of vote counting on May 4.

Mamata Banerjee has rejected exit poll projections in West Bengal, alleging they were “bought” and asserting that the TMC will return to power with a two-thirds majority.

Five people were injured in a clash between TMC and BJP supporters in Kolkata’s Behala after polling, with both sides trading allegations as police detained two and began an investigation.

Sources indicate that most of the re-polling requests have been filed by the principal opposition party, the BJP. The Falta constituency has emerged as the focal point of the controversy, following allegations that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at booths numbered 170 and 189 were tampered with using adhesive tape.

Bengal records over 92% turnout as polls end; fierce TMC-BJP battle heads to May 4 counting amid tensions, EVM row and voter roll controversy.

EC says repoll will be ordered if EVM tampering claims are verified in Bengal, stressing zero tolerance amid allegations during final phase voting.