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Falta Re‑poll Held Peacefully Under Heavy Security After ECI Ordered Fresh Vote

A peaceful, high‑turnout re‑poll that aimed to restore voter confidence could hand the BJP an extra assembly seat when votes are counted on May 24.

Overview

  • The Election Commission ordered a full re‑poll of all 285 booths after a special observer reported suspected EVM button covering and attempts to tamper with web‑camera footage during the April 29 vote.
  • The re‑poll, held on Thursday May 21, proceeded without major incident under a large security presence that included about 35 CAPF companies and eight security personnel stationed at each booth.
  • Officials installed layered surveillance for the vote with two cameras inside every booth, live webcasting, micro‑observers at sensitive stations and 30 quick response teams on standby to prevent repeat irregularities.
  • Trinamool Congress nominee Jahangir Khan announced he would not contest the re‑poll but his name remained on EVMs because the formal withdrawal deadline had passed.
  • Election officials reported very high turnout through the day — officials cited about 86.11% by 5 pm — and several pre‑repoll arrests including Saidul Khan were made; counting is scheduled for May 24 and the result could change the assembly arithmetic in Diamond Harbour territory.