Polling for the re-election to the Falta Assembly constituency in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district began on Thursday morning amid tight security arrangements and heightened political tension. The voting started at 7 am across all polling stations and will continue till evening under the supervision of the Election Commission.
The Election Commission ordered a re-poll in the constituency after allegations of “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process” during the earlier phase of voting held on April 29. The repoll has turned Falta into one of the most closely watched seats in the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections.
More than 2.36 lakh voters, including over 1.15 lakh women voters and nine third-gender electors, are eligible to cast their ballots across 285 polling booths in the constituency. Authorities have deployed 35 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) along with multiple Quick Response Teams to ensure peaceful voting and prevent any untoward incidents.
According to officials, extensive security measures have been implemented at every polling station, including live webcasting and round-the-clock monitoring. Election observers have also been appointed to oversee the entire polling process.
The re-election has gained additional political significance after Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan unexpectedly withdrew from the contest just days before polling. His decision triggered intense political debate, with opposition parties alleging pressure and internal turmoil within the ruling party. The TMC, however, described the move as a “personal decision.”
The BJP has mounted an aggressive campaign in the constituency, hoping to make gains in what was once considered a Trinamool Congress stronghold. Senior BJP leaders claimed the repoll reflects voters’ demand for a “free and fair election,” while the TMC accused the opposition of politicising the situation.
Large numbers of voters were seen queuing outside polling stations from early morning, with officials reporting peaceful voting during the initial hours. Security personnel have been conducting regular patrols in sensitive areas to maintain law and order.
The counting of votes for the Falta Assembly seat is scheduled to take place on May 24. Political observers believe the result could carry symbolic importance in the broader political battle between the BJP and the TMC in West Bengal.
