TNI Bureau: In a major decision aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed that fresh polling will be conducted in all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary polling stations, in the 144-Falta Assembly Constituency of West Bengal.

According to the ECI, re-polling will take place on 21st May 2026 from 7 AM to 6 PM, while the counting of votes has been scheduled for 24th May 2026.
The Commission stated that the decision was taken after serious concerns emerged over the conduct of polling held on 29th April 2026. In its official statement, the ECI said the directive was issued “on consideration of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the polling in a large number of polling stations” in the constituency.

As per the EC, around 60 booths showed EVM tampering, including masking tape on buttons and perfume/ink marks to track votes. Booth capturing affected 22.82% of voters and was treated under Section 135A of the RPA, 1951. Webcasts showed false voting, unauthorized persons inside booths, and poll staff violations. Missing footage, ignored complaints, and weak scrutiny further exposed large-scale electoral malpractice.

The move to order fresh polls, signals one of the strongest interventions by the Commission in recent times, reflecting the gravity of the reported irregularities. While the ECI has not detailed every incident publicly, the reference to “severe electoral offences” points to major violations that may have compromised the fairness and credibility of the election.

The decision to order fresh polling across all booths, rather than selective re-polling, underlines the Commission’s view that the scale of disruption was widespread and significant enough to affect the overall democratic mandate. Political reactions are expected to intensify as parties prepare once again for campaigning and voter mobilisation in the constituency. Security arrangements are also likely to be tightened to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling during the re-election process.

The Falta re-poll has now become a significant test of electoral accountability, with the ECI sending a clear message that any attempt to undermine democracy will invite strict action.