West Bengal Election 2026 Re-Poll highlights: Near 90% turnout in repoll across Magrahat Paschim, Diamond Harbour

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee held a detailed virtual meeting with counting agents across 291 constituencies, outlining strategy and expressing confidence ahead of May 4 results.

The leadership asked agents to remain at counting centres till the end, report any irregularities immediately and push for recounts in close contests. Mamata reiterated that the party would win “200-plus seats” and dismissed exit polls as misleading.

Agents were also told to stay alert to issues like power outages and ensure strict monitoring during EVM handling. The leadership alleged possible counting malpractice, while the Election Commission has maintained there is no scope for wrongdoing.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand met West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal in the state capital as preparations intensify.

Nand was seen leaving the Election Commission office after discussions with the CEO.

The meeting is seen as part of final security reviews and coordination efforts ahead of counting day across the state.

Repolling in West Bengal saw an exceptionally high voter turnout, reflecting strong participation in the affected constituencies.

The Election Commission said polling percentage touched nearly 90 per cent across 15 polling stations in two Assembly constituencies.

Voting was conducted under tight security arrangements, with officials ensuring smooth proceedings amid heightened political attention on the repoll process.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee left Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence after a prolonged strategy meeting ahead of counting.

Between 4pm and 5pm, the two leaders held a virtual conference with counting agents across Bengal to review preparedness.

This was followed by an extended in-person discussion till around 7pm, focusing on coordination, booth-level inputs and counting-day strategy.

Tensions surfaced in South 24 Parganas’ Falta Assembly constituency as locals protested over alleged threats by TMC workers. Police officer Shantanu Sen said the situation remains “peaceful” despite the protests. He urged residents to formally lodge complaints at the police station, assuring that appropriate legal action will be taken based on the allegations.

Counting of votes in West Bengal will take place under a strict, multi-layered protocol led by the Returning Officer, with detailed checks at every stage.

Each counting table will have a four-member team, a counting supervisor, assistant (additional observer), a micro observer and a multi-tasking staff member. At least one official will be from the central government, with randomised deployment and QR-coded ID verification.

A three-tier security system, frisking and QR checks will be in place. No mobile phones are allowed inside counting centres, and movement of staff and agents will be tightly restricted during the process.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has planned a statewide outreach ahead of counting, with all its Assembly candidates set to visit temples on Sunday.

Party candidates will offer prayers in their respective constituencies a day before counting on May 4.

The move is seen as part of last-mile mobilisation and symbolic outreach as political parties gear up for the crucial counting day.

RJD MP Manoj Jha has weighed in on the West Bengal Assembly election, saying the Supreme Court could have taken a more comprehensive view of concerns around counting.

He said addressing doubts of a large voter base would have helped build confidence and set a stronger precedent ahead of counting day.

On Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s controversy, Jha declined direct comment but said whether allegations are baseless or not, such issues must be examined seriously within democratic norms.

The Election Commission has received reports regarding multiple issues during voting in Falta assembly constituency from the observers. They will make a decision tonight on repolling in several booths in the region tomorrow, a day before counting.

(Inputs from Sahil Joshi)

TMC leadership combined confidence with sharp criticism during a key virtual meeting with party workers and counting agents.

Mamata Banerjee praised workers for their “relentless fight” and asserted the party is headed for a “200+ seats” victory. She dismissed exit polls as attempts to “manipulate the stock market”, referencing past elections.

Abhishek Banerjee alleged intimidation by central forces, claiming women were targeted in several areas, and accused a section of the media of backing such narratives.

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee held a key virtual meeting with counting agents and stakeholders ahead of counting day.

Abhishek Banerjee reached the CM’s residence in Kolkata for the interaction, where Mamata congratulated party workers for their “relentless fight” during the polls.

The Chief Minister flagged alleged “brutality” by central forces and expressed confidence of a big win, telling workers the TMC is set to secure over 200 seats.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee arrived at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata ahead of a key strategy session.

The leadership is set to hold a virtual meeting with counting agents and party stakeholders to streamline coordination.

The interaction is expected to focus on counting-day preparedness, booth-level inputs and addressing concerns around security and monitoring at counting centres.

Kolkata Police has suspended the Officer in Charge of Kalighat Police Station, Goutam Das, after a controversial social media post surfaced.

Das had shared a picture holding a firearm with the caption ‘ready for new assignment’, drawing scrutiny amid the sensitive election period.

Chameli Mukherjee has been appointed as the new Officer in Charge of Kalighat Police Station with immediate effect.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee reached Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata as the party gears up for counting.

Both leaders are set to hold a video conference with counting agents and key party stakeholders later today.

The meeting is aimed at coordinating strategy and ensuring preparedness amid heightened focus on counting-day procedures and security arrangements.

Repolling in two Assembly constituencies of West Bengal has witnessed a strong voter turnout, signalling active participation despite tensions.

The Election Commission said 72.43 per cent polling was recorded till 3pm across the two seats undergoing repoll.

Voting continued under tight security, with central forces deployed at booths to ensure a smooth and peaceful process amid political scrutiny.

The Election Commission of India has strengthened oversight for West Bengal’s counting process by deploying additional personnel across centres.

A total of 165 additional counting observers have been appointed to assist existing observers and ensure transparency during vote counting.

The EC has also deployed 77 police observers to monitor security and maintain law and order around counting centres amid heightened political tensions.

The Election Commission has stepped up monitoring in West Bengal by deploying additional counting and police observers.The move aims to ensure transparency and maintain order during the counting process.

Enhanced supervision comes amid political allegations over security lapses and fears of disruption at counting centres across the state.

A voting rights concern has surfaced from South 24 Parganas, where a differently-abled woman reportedly could not cast her vote during repolling. Her caretaker mother was allegedly denied entry into the polling booth.

A person at the station claimed officials refused assistance, questioning how such voters can participate despite having valid voter ID and Aadhaar documentation.

TMC’s Ballygunge candidate Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay has raised concerns over security arrangements at strong rooms ahead of counting.

He claimed unauthorised individuals entered a counting centre, triggering tensions.

Chattopadhyay said rules require presence of all party representatives before strong rooms are opened, adding candidates are visiting centres like Netaji Stadium and Khudiram to verify arrangements.

BJP’s Siliguri candidate Shankar Ghosh has backed the Election Commission’s deployment of central forces, calling it key to a peaceful election process.

Ghosh said attempts were made to challenge EC orders in courts earlier, but now the focus is on ensuring violence-free counting.

He alleged the ruling party fears losing power and is trying to disrupt counting, adding courts have rejected objections to EC directives.

Protesters in Falta have demanded a repoll, alleging that TMC supporters are threatening them ahead of the election process. They also called for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across the entire Falta area to ensure security.

A local woman alleged that TMC’s Israfil Chowkidar threatened residents, claiming that if his opponents win, houses would be burned and violence would be carried out in the area.

Tensions flared at Botth No. 179 in Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency in the morning as local residents and a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader staged a protest. They alleged that a person with a disability and his mother were “detained” by central forces near the polling station.

A TMC leader and candidate from Shyampukur constituency alleged irregularities at a strong room, claiming security personnel initially denied entry despite candidates being allowed inside. He said police later intervened to clarify the rule.

The candidate further alleged that postal ballot trunks from seven North Kolkata Assembly constituencies arrived around 4 am without any political party representatives present. He claimed the trunks were kept in a room without CCTV cameras and said officials informed that cameras would be installed, but they were yet to be put in place.

Polling in the ongoing repolling exercise recorded 38.2 per cent voter turnout in Magrahat Paschim and 35.92 per cent in Diamond Harbour till 11 am. Voting is underway across the identified booths in South 24 Parganas district.

A government employee claiming to be Joint BDO of Diamond Harbour Block 2 was confronted while allegedly in a drunken state as he attempted to enter a polling station. His election ID card identified him as an Assistant Returning Officer.

After being questioned, central forces intervened and police personnel deployed in the outer perimeter verified his credentials before detaining him. He was taken for medical examination while being escorted away by police.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya welcomed the Election Commission’s decision to conduct repolling, saying reports indicate that voting is taking place peacefully.

He targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming that her “disturbed” stance and allegations suggest that the TMC is heading towards a major defeat. Maurya added that the party will face a “crushing defeat” in the elections.

BJP candidate from Magrahat Paschim, Goursundar Ghosh, said repolling is being held at 11 booths following complaints of “booth jam” that allegedly prevented voters from casting their ballots.

He claimed that during scrutiny, some booths were found with EVMs having tapes pasted on them, while in others perfume had been sprayed, and alleged adhesive was found on a machine at a booth he visited.

Ghosh expressed confidence of victory, saying he was certain before the repoll and remains so now. He added that polling is progressing smoothly with long queues of voters and asserted that the BJP will form the government in the state while also winning Magrahat Paschim.

Voters in Diamond Harbour shared mixed reactions as repolling was conducted at Bagda Junior High School.

Tapas Sengupta said voting in the area has “always been peaceful” with strong participation. Mujahid Mollah (25), a Maulana, echoed the sentiment, highlighting consistent voter turnout.

Noor Salam Mollah (32), a garments worker in Behala, said he had already voted earlier but was participating again in the repoll, expressing satisfaction at being able to exercise his mandate.

However, Taufiq Khan (23) termed the repoll a “harassment,” saying he had to take time off work to cast his vote again.

The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has filed a complaint against the Returning Officer at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, seeking urgent intervention over alleged unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers, the party said.

Voting was disrupted at a polling booth in West Bengal’s Diamond Harbour constituency during repolling after an alleged malfunction in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), prompting complaints from voters. The issue was reported at booth number 243 at Roynagar Primary School in South 24 Parganas, where voters claimed they had been waiting for over half an hour without any update from polling officials.

One voter, Rachindranath, said, “We have been standing here for half an hour now. We were told that there is a problem with the machine and it will be replaced. But it has been over half an hour now. Nobody has come here for that, and voting has not resumed. Give us an update, otherwise, we will go back. Nobody is telling us anything.”

(ANI)

Repolling recorded an early voter turnout of 16.68% in Magrahat Paschim and 15.83% in Diamond Harbour Assembly constituencies as of 9 am, officials said.

Long queues of voters were seen at the Bahirpuya Kurkuriya FP School polling booths (Nos. 230, 231 and 232) during repolling in the Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas.

The constituency is witnessing a triangular contest, with the Trinamool’s Shamim Ahmed, the BJP’s Goursundar Ghosh and the Congress’s Abdul Majid Halder in the fray.

(ANI)

On TMC’s allegation of EVM tampering in a Kolkata strongroom, BJP candidate from Jorasanko assembly constituency Vijay Ojha dismissed the claims, saying there are no restrictions on access and that TMC members themselves remain present there round the clock.

Repolling is underway at Najra polling stations 126 and 127 in Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district. The seat is witnessing a contest between TMC’s Shamim Ahmed, BJP’s Goursundar Ghosh and Congress’ Abdul Majid Halder.

Heavy security deployment has been put in place near Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district, where repolling began at 7 am. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed near polling booths to prevent any disruptions during the voting process.

A CRPF personnel was seen assisting a voter walking with the help of a stick at booth number 117, Bagda Junior High School, in Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district during polling.

A long queue of voters was seen at booth number 194 at Haridevpur Primary School in Diamond Harbour constituency of South 24 Parganas during repolling. Police and other security personnel have been deployed at the polling station.

BJP candidate from Noapara constituency Arjun Singh said repolling should be conducted, citing concerns over alleged cellotape being applied on the BJP’s symbol button on an EVM. He said if any voter was unable to cast their vote due to the issue, it is the Election Commission’s responsibility to ensure they get another chance to vote.

BJP candidate from Siliguri Assembly constituency Shankar Ghosh alleged that the ruling TMC is trying to build a narrative out of fear of electoral defeat. He said the allegations by the party are aimed at misleading people and claimed such statements are “natural” as the party faces the prospect of being voted out. Ghosh added that false allegations will not help the TMC and said the Election Commission is doing its best to ensure fair polls.

A long queue of voters was seen at booth number 194 at Haridevpur Primary School in Diamond Harbour constituency of South 24 Parganas during repolling. Police and other security personnel have been deployed at the polling station to maintain order.

On the issue of re-polling, West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said the decision in Magrahat Paschim is welcome but added that repolling should have been conducted in more booths in Diamond Harbour and across the entire Falta segment. He said due procedure is being followed and expressed respect for the Election Commission.

Voters were seen queuing up outside the polling booth at Uttar Yearpur F.P. School in Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district as repolling is underway in the area.

Voters were seen queuing up outside polling booth number 117 at Bagda Junior High School in Diamond Harbour Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district as repolling got underway on Saturday. Repolling is being held in 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four booths in Diamond Harbour for the West Bengal legislative assembly elections, with polling beginning at 7 am.

Voting for the repolling in 15 polling booths across two Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal began on Saturday. Polling is underway in 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim constituency and four booths in Diamond Harbour constituency, where voters are casting their ballots today.

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced re-polling in 15 polling stations across two Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The repoll will be held on May 2, 2026, the poll body said in an official update.