The Election Commission of India began repolling at 15 polling booths in West Bengal on May 2, 2026, following reports of electoral irregularities [1], [6].
These repolls are critical because they address allegations of voting machine tampering in a highly contested region. Ensuring the integrity of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) is essential for the legitimacy of the assembly election results.
The repolling process follows an order issued on Friday, May 1, 2026 [3], [4]. The action was prompted by complaints that EVM buttons had been covered with tape to prevent voters from selecting specific candidates [1], [2], [5].
The affected areas are located within the South 24 Parganas district. Specifically, the Commission ordered repolls at 11 booths in the Magrahat Paschim assembly constituency and four booths in the Diamond Harbour constituency [2], [3].
Early data from the repoll indicates varying levels of participation. By 1 p.m., turnout in Magrahat Paschim reached 56.33% [2], while Diamond Harbour saw a turnout of 54.9% [2].
Supporters from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) were present at the sites. The BJP said that irregularities occurred during the initial voting process [1], [3].
The Election Commission coordinated the effort to ensure a fair process in the two constituencies. Officials monitored the booths to prevent further disruptions as voters returned to cast their ballots [2], [3].
“Repolling was conducted at 15 polling booths after reports of EVM tampering.”
The decision to order repolls in South 24 Parganas highlights the volatility of the West Bengal assembly elections and the ongoing tension between the BJP and TMC. By intervening to correct physical tampering of EVMs, the Election Commission is attempting to mitigate legal challenges and public distrust in the electronic voting system, which remains a central point of contention in Indian electoral politics.
