West Bengal Assembly Repoll: Voter Turnout Exceeds 16% in Initial Hours

In the latest updates from West Bengal, repolling in two assembly constituencies has recorded a voter turnout exceeding 16% within the first two hours. The Election Commission has ensured a peaceful voting process, with no incidents of violence reported. Candidates from major parties, including TMC and BJP, are contesting in this crucial election phase. The decision for repolling was prompted by allegations of electoral malpractices. Stay tuned for more insights as the situation unfolds.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 2, 2026, 12:25 IST

Voting Commences in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas

In Kolkata, the initial hours of repolling across 15 booths in two assembly constituencies of South 24 Parganas district saw a voter turnout exceeding 16 percent, according to official reports.

The voting process is taking place smoothly at 11 polling stations in the Magrahat Paschim assembly constituency and four in Diamond Harbour, where the Election Commission mandated a repoll due to allegations of electoral misconduct.

Starting at 7 AM and continuing until 6 PM, the voting recorded approximately 16.23 percent participation by 9 AM.

Specifically, Magrahat Paschim noted a turnout of 16.68 percent, while Diamond Harbour reported 15.83 percent, as stated by a polling official.

The Election Commission confirmed that the polling has been conducted without any incidents of violence or disturbances in either constituency.

To ensure security, a sufficient number of central forces have been deployed, and the proceedings are being monitored through webcasting.

These two constituencies previously held elections during the second phase of the state elections on April 29.

The decision for a repoll was made following reports from returning officers and observers, citing 'material circumstances' that warranted further action.

In the Magrahat Paschim constituency, TMC's Md Samim Ahamed Molla is competing against BJP's Goursundar Ghosh, with Congress's Abdul Majid Halder and ISF's Abdul Aziz Al Hassan also in the race.

In Diamond Harbour, TMC candidate Panna Lal Halder faces off against BJP's Dipak Kumar Halder, with Goutam Bhattacharya from Congress and CPI(M)'s Samar Naiya among the other contenders.

The BJP has raised concerns about widespread electoral irregularities in specific polling stations within these assembly seats, which fall under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, represented by TMC's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

In response to these allegations, the Election Commission has appointed special observer Subrata Gupta to investigate the claims.

A decision regarding the repolling in the Falta assembly constituency is expected to be announced on Saturday.

The West Bengal assembly elections took place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, accompanied by extensive security measures.