EC-Ordered Repoll Sees Massive Turnout in Bengal’s Magrahat, Diamond Harbour

Repolling across select booths in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district recorded exceptionally high voter turnout on Saturday, as the Election Commission of India (ECI) intervened to restore electoral integrity following serious irregularities reported during the April 29 polling phase.

The repoll was conducted in 15 polling stations 11 in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour after the Commission voided earlier polling citing credible evidence of malpractice. Voting was held between 7 am and 6 pm under tight security , with heavy deployment of central armed forces , micro-observers, and live webcasting to ensure transparency and prevent any recurrence of violations.

Voter participation remained consistently strong throughout the day , reflecting both heightened political stakes and public resolve. Turnout stood at around 37% by late morning , crossed 55% by early afternoon , and surged beyond 72% by 3 pm . By the end of polling, Magrahat Paschim recorded approximately 86.11% turnout , while Diamond Harbour saw about 87.60% , among the highest figures in the ongoing election cycle.

The repoll order followed a multi-layered review by the ECI based on reports from returning officers, general observers, and ground inputs . Officials cited “ material circumstances ” that compromised the credibility of voting, prompting the rare step of cancelling results in the affected booths.

Among the key concerns were allegations of EVM tampering , including claims that buttons corresponding to certain candidates were deliberately obstructed , raising doubts about voter choice being accurately recorded. There were also reports of malfunctioning or disabled CCTV systems , weakening surveillance at sensitive polling stations.

Additionally, opposition parties particularly the BJP flagged instances of booth capturing, voter intimidation, and organised rigging , further intensifying the controversy. In some booths, complaints suggested that candidate symbols were partially obscured , potentially misleading voters and violating electoral norms.

To independently verify these claims, the Commission deployed its special observer, Subrata Gupta , underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The affected constituencies fall under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat, represented by Abhishek Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress, adding political sensitivity to the repoll exercise.

Officials maintained that the decision to conduct repolling was a corrective measure aimed at safeguarding free and fair elections , reinforcing the Commission’s institutional credibility. The peaceful conduct of the repoll, coupled with strong voter turnout, indicates a renewed assertion of democratic participation despite earlier disruptions.

Meanwhile, the ECI is expected to take a call on a possible repoll in the Falta assembly constituency , where similar allegations have surfaced.

The West Bengal Assembly elections were conducted in two phases April 23 and April 29 under unprecedented security arrangements , and the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4 . The outcome will determine the political trajectory of a closely contested state, where even isolated irregularities have drawn intense scrutiny.