Repolling has begun at 15 polling stations in West Bengal after reports of irregularities during the initial round of voting, election officials said on Wednesday. The decision to conduct repolling was taken following complaints from various political parties about malpractices, including booth capturing, intimidation of voters, and malfunctioning of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Details of Repolling
The repolling is taking place in constituencies spread across the state, with security forces deployed to ensure a free and fair process. Officials stated that the affected booths were identified after a thorough review of complaints and video footage. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the state administration to maintain strict vigil and ensure no untoward incidents occur.
Political Reactions
Political parties have reacted sharply to the irregularities. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the opposition of creating disturbances, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress demanded a full-scale investigation into the incidents. The ECI has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
Security Arrangements
Central armed police forces have been deployed at the repolling booths to prevent any violence or coercion. Voters were seen queuing up early in the morning, and voting is expected to continue until the scheduled end time. The ECI has also set up a control room to monitor the situation in real-time.
This is not the first instance of repolling in West Bengal during this election season. Earlier, repolling was ordered at a few booths in other districts due to similar complaints. The state has a history of election-related violence, and the ECI has been under pressure to ensure a peaceful polling environment.
Impact on Election Results
The repolling may delay the final declaration of results in the affected constituencies. However, the ECI has stated that all efforts are being made to complete the process swiftly. The main political parties are closely watching the developments, as the outcome in these booths could influence the overall results in a closely contested state.
