Repolling in 15 Booths Across Two Bengal Constituencies Today Amid Tight Security

Kolkata: There were reports of irregularities from many places in the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections. At some places there were allegations of tampering with EVMs, while at other places there were complaints of booth capturing. The matter escalated so much that ultimately the Election Commission itself had to enter the field. An investigation was conducted and wherever irregularities were found, it was decided to conduct re-voting.

Where will re-polling take place?

As per the instructions of the Election Commission, re-voting will be held in a total of 15 booths of two assembly seats in South 24 Parganas district, Diamond Harbor and Magarhat West. These include 11 booths of Magarhat West and 4 booths of Diamond Harbour. Those voters who could not cast their vote correctly the first time will now get another chance.

When will voting take place and what will be the arrangements?

Voting will run from 7 am to 6 pm. The administration has already been instructed to make announcements in the area and spread the message to the people so that no voter remains unaware this time.

Is the Election Commission more strict this time?

This time the commission is in no mood to commit any mistake. Security arrangements have been made more stringent than before. The administration has clear instructions that wherever there is even the slightest movement, it should be brought under control immediately. Any kind of violence or dispute will not be tolerated during and after voting.

Were such complaints received earlier also?

The chief electoral officer of the state said that a lot of complaints were received regarding EVMs in the second phase of voting. The Commission took this seriously and adopted a strict stance and chose the path of re-polling. The objective is the same to maintain people's trust in the election process and ensure that every vote is counted accurately.

What is the expectation of the common voter?

Amidst all these incidents, the eyes of the common man are now fixed on this re-voting. People just want that this time everything happens peacefully and their votes reach the right place. The real strength of democracy is seen only when every vote is respected, and the voters of these 15 booths will leave home with the same hope.