The Election Commission of India has received a total of 32 complaints related to repolling in West Bengal, raising the possibility of re-elections being conducted at 77 polling booths across the state. According to sources, the complaints primarily involve allegations of booth capturing, voter intimidation, and irregularities in the voting process during the recent assembly elections.
Details of Complaints
Out of the 32 complaints, 12 have been reported from North 24 Parganas district, followed by 8 from South 24 Parganas, 6 from Murshidabad, and the remaining from other districts. The Election Commission has directed the district magistrates and superintendents of police to submit detailed reports on each incident within 48 hours. Based on these reports, the EC will decide whether repolling is necessary at the identified booths.
Potential Re-election Booths
If the complaints are substantiated, re-elections could be ordered at 77 booths, which would involve approximately 2.5 lakh voters. The EC has already deployed additional central forces to sensitive areas to maintain law and order. A senior EC official stated that the commission is committed to ensuring free and fair elections and will not hesitate to order repolls wherever required.
Political Reactions
The opposition parties have welcomed the EC's proactive stance, while the ruling party has expressed concerns over the delay in the declaration of results. The EC has assured that all complaints will be addressed promptly, and the final decision on repolling will be taken after thorough verification.
This development comes amid heightened political tension in West Bengal, where the assembly elections have witnessed sporadic violence and allegations of malpractice from all sides. The EC has urged all parties to maintain peace and cooperate with the election machinery.
