No re-polling in Bengal Phase 1, EC says not required in Tamil Nadu either

The Election Commission on Friday announced that no re-polling will be conducted in any booth across West Bengal following the completion of the first phase of Assembly elections. The decision comes after a comprehensive review of polling conditions across 44,376 booths where voting took place on Thursday in 152 constituencies.

The Commission also clarified that no re-polling will be held in Tamil Nadu, where voting was conducted in 75,064 booths on the same day. Earlier, the poll body had stated that re-polling would be ordered in areas where there were credible allegations of intimidation, obstruction, or disruption during the voting process. However, after assessing reports and ground inputs, it concluded that such measures were not necessary in either state.

Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, provisions exist for re-polling under specific circumstances, including disruption or malpractice at polling stations. The Commission retains the authority to order re-polling based on reports from presiding officers or on its own initiative. In past elections, political parties have frequently alleged irregularities such as voter intimidation, booth capturing, and obstruction, although re-polling has remained relatively limited.

During the first phase of polling in West Bengal, allegations of irregularities were raised by the Congress in areas such as Bharatpur and Berhampore in Murshidabad district. A written complaint was submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer, citing concerns and suggesting possible extension of polling hours or re-polling. Despite these complaints, the Commission found no grounds warranting fresh voting.

According to official data available till midnight on polling day, West Bengal recorded a high voter turnout of 92.88% in the first phase. Cooch Behar registered the highest turnout at 96.04%, followed by South Dinajpur at 95.44%. Districts including Jalpaiguri, Malda, Birbhum and North Dinajpur crossed 94%, while Darjeeling and Kalimpong recorded less than 90%, with all other districts exceeding the 90% mark.