The Election Commission of India ordered repolling at 15 polling stations in West Bengal on Saturday following electronic voting machine malfunctions [1].
The order comes during a high-stakes assembly election characterized by a fierce contest between Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Because the region is a focal point of political tension, any disruption to the voting process can influence public perception of the election's integrity.
Repolling is concentrated in the South 24 Parganas district. Specifically, officials ordered votes to be repeated at 11 stations in Magrahat Paschim and four stations in Diamond Harbour [1]. The commission scheduled the repolling hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. [1].
According to reports, the malfunction of electronic voting machines halted the initial voting process at these specific booths [1]. This instance marks the first time repolling has been ordered during the current set of assembly elections [2].
Phase 2 voting occurred on May 2, 2026, with reported voter turnout reaching 92.47% [5]. Security has been tightened around EVM strongrooms as the state prepares for the final stages of the process, a move intended to prevent tampering or disputes before the final tally.
Counting for the Phase 2 results is scheduled for May 4, 2026 [6]. Exit polls have projected a close contest between the two primary parties, adding further pressure to the administrative accuracy of the vote [4].
“The Election Commission of India ordered repolling at 15 polling stations in West Bengal”
The necessity of repolling in a highly contested environment like West Bengal highlights the technical vulnerabilities of electronic voting systems. In a race where exit polls suggest a narrow margin, the administration of even a small number of polling stations can become a point of political contention between the BJP and Trinamool Congress, potentially fueling allegations of irregularity despite the Commission's corrective actions.
