The Election Commission of India ordered a re-poll for the Falta assembly seat in West Bengal after cancelling the original April 29, 2026, vote [1].

The decision disrupts the finality of the regional election verdict as the contest remains undecided between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This rare move highlights the fragility of electoral integrity in the South 24 Parganas district.

Officials cancelled the initial voting due to what they described as severe electoral offences. These irregularities included alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and issues with CCTV footage [2]. The poll panel said "severe electoral offences" were the primary driver for the decision [3].

There is conflicting reporting regarding the scale of the re-poll. Some reports indicate the order affects 15 booths [2], while other sources said the re-poll will encompass all 285 booths in the Falta constituency [3].

The re-poll is scheduled for May 21, 2026 [4]. Following the vote, the counting of ballots will take place on May 24, 2026 [3].

This specific seat stands out against a broader backdrop of high engagement. Overall voter participation in the West Bengal election reached around 92 percent [4]. In contrast, turnout in the 15 re-poll booths was recorded at 86.90 percent [4].

The dispute between the TMC and BJP over the Falta seat continues to intensify as both parties prepare for the May 21 vote. The Election Commission's intervention ensures that the final representative for the constituency is determined by a verified process, one that avoids the irregularities seen in April.

“The poll panel cites 'severe electoral offences'.”

The cancellation of an entire constituency's vote due to EVM and CCTV irregularities underscores the high tension and potential for volatility in West Bengal's electoral landscape. By ordering a full re-poll, the Election Commission is attempting to maintain the legitimacy of the democratic process, though the discrepancy in reported booth numbers suggests ongoing confusion or varying stages of implementation in the South 24 Parganas district.