EC considering repolling in Falta after voting stops due to EVM tampering

The possibility of a re-poll in Falta constituency has come into sharp focus after Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal stated that fresh voting will be conducted in any booth where Evm tampering is confirmed. His remarks come amid ongoing polling in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, where allegations of irregularities have surfaced from the South 24 Parganas seat.

According to the CEO, election authorities have sought a detailed report from ground observers following complaints that Electronic Voting Machine buttons were allegedly tampered with in certain booths. He clarified that re-polling would be immediately ordered in affected booths if the allegations are verified, ensuring that voters are not deprived of their right to cast ballots freely.

Agarwal further indicated that if such incidents are found to be widespread across multiple booths, the Commission may consider conducting a re-election for the entire constituency. However, he emphasised that any decision will strictly depend on the findings submitted by election observers and verified field reports, with initial inputs suggesting limited complaints so far.

The development has intensified political attention on Falta, where voting continues under tight security arrangements. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the Election Commission maintains that all necessary steps will be taken to uphold the integrity of the electoral process based on confirmed evidence.