BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the Election Commission's decision to hold repolling in the Magrahat Paschim constituency on May 2, 2026 [1].

The move follows serious allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering and irregularities during the second phase of voting on April 29, 2026 [2]. These disputes highlight the ongoing tension between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding the integrity of the electoral process in West Bengal.

A total of 15 booths across two constituencies were scheduled for repolling starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday [3]. According to official data, 11 booths were designated for repolling in Magrahat Paschim, while four booths were designated in Diamond Harbour [4]. By 11 a.m. on the repoll day, voter turnout in Magrahat Paschim stood at 36.99% [5].

Adhikari expressed support for the decision in Magrahat Paschim but argued that the scope of the remedy was too narrow. "I welcome the repolling in Magrahat Paschim and I also seek repolling in the entire Falta constituency," Adhikari said [6]. He said that the repolling should have happened in the whole Falta segment as well [7].

The demands for fresh polls stem from claims that EVM symbols were tampered with, including reports that the BJP lotus symbol had been covered with tape [8]. These irregularities led party officials to argue that the original results could not be trusted.

However, the process has not been without criticism from the opposing side. Tanmay Ghosh, a leader with the TMC, criticized the Election Commission's handling of the situation. "The EC is processing ballots secretly, which undermines the credibility of the election," Ghosh said [9].

The repolling effort is part of a broader effort to ensure a free and fair election in the South 24 Parganas district, a region that has seen intense political friction throughout the 2026 assembly elections [10].

“"The repolling should have happened in the whole Falta segment too."”

The demand for expanded repolling in the Falta segment suggests that the BJP believes systemic irregularities extended beyond the specific booths identified by the Election Commission. By challenging the scope of the repolls, the party is attempting to cast doubt on the broader validity of the second-phase results in South 24 Parganas, while the TMC's allegations of 'secret' ballot processing indicate a mutual lack of trust in the regulatory body's transparency.