The Election Commission of India ordered a re-poll in all 285 booths of the Falta Assembly constituency on May 21, 2026 [1], [2].

This rare decision follows reports of severe electoral offences and alleged booth-capturing during the original phase-2 voting that occurred on April 29, 2026 [2], [3]. The move highlights the ongoing tension between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal.

The commission said serious irregularities were the primary reason for the fresh vote [2], [3]. While some reports initially mentioned re-polling across 15 booths with an 86.90% turnout [1], other verified records state the order covers all 285 polling stations in the constituency [2].

Counting for the Falta seat is scheduled for May 24, 2026 [3]. This delay affects the finality of the state's assembly results. Out of the 294 total seats in the West Bengal assembly, results for 293 seats are currently pending or finalized, while the Falta contest remains unresolved [4].

Election officials are preparing for the May 21 vote to ensure the integrity of the process. Overall election participation in the region has been recorded at approximately 92% [1]. The commission said it has not released further details regarding the specific nature of the electoral offences beyond the reports of booth-capturing [2], [3].

“The Election Commission of India ordered a re-poll in all 285 booths of the Falta Assembly constituency”

The order for a complete re-poll in a single constituency is a significant intervention by the Election Commission. By nullifying the original April 29 vote due to booth-capturing, the commission is signaling a zero-tolerance approach to electoral violence and fraud. This ensures that the final seat count for the West Bengal assembly reflects a legitimate vote, even if it delays the final government formation by several days.