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West Bengal: ECI seeks Falta report as EVM tampering charge mars Phase 2 polls
The Election Commission of India sought a report from poll authorities in South 24 Parganas over allegations of EVM tampering in Falta during Phase 2 of West Bengal's assembly polls, while clashes and tension were reported in several constituencies. The BJP demanded repoll in Falta, accusing the ruling TMC, and ensuing days saw police action and multiple incidents near polling stations. Results for the election were due to be declared on May 4.
Why It Matters
The events underscore concerns about election integrity during Phase 2 in West Bengal and show how the ECI responds to tampering allegations; potential repoll in Falta could affect the final outcome of the seat.
Timeline
12 Events
Election results scheduled to be declared on May 4
April 29, 2026
The article notes that the results of the West Bengal assembly elections were scheduled to be declared on May 4, 2026.
Phase 2 polling conducted across remaining seats
April 29, 2026
Polling for the remaining 142 seats, including Falta, was conducted on April 29, 2026, after the first phase on April 23. Results for the polling are scheduled later.
BJP camp office ransacked in Shantipur, Nadia
April 29, 2026
A BJP camp office was ransacked in Shantipur, Nadia.
TMC-ISF supporters scuffle in Khanakul, Hooghly
April 29, 2026
A scuffle broke out between TMC and Indian Secular Front supporters in Khanakul, Hooghly.
BJP polling agent beaten in Chapra, Nadia
April 29, 2026
In separate incidents, a BJP polling agent was allegedly beaten up by TMC supporters in Chapra in Nadia district.
Tension in Bhangar during ISF candidate Nawsad Siddique's polling visit
April 29, 2026
Tension was reported in Bhangar, a violence-prone constituency, when ISF candidate Nawsad Siddique visited a polling station. TMC supporters raised Joy Bangla slogans on seeing him, leading to a heated altercation and a lathi charge by police and CAPF to disperse the crowd.
Police and CAPF disperse crowd to restore order
April 29, 2026
Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel later used lathis to disperse the crowd and restore order in the area.
TMC responds to allegations; party rejects claims
April 29, 2026
TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty rejected the allegations, saying the BJP knows it is going to lose by around two lakh votes and that the claims were an attempt to create an alibi.
ECI official outlines possible repoll if tampering is confirmed
April 29, 2026
A senior ECI official stated that if the allegations are found true, repoll could be ordered at the polling station; if tampering is detected across multiple polling stations, the entire Falta assembly constituency may go for a repoll.
BJP alleges EVMs at Part 170 Harindanga High School compromised; videos posted
April 29, 2026
Amit Malviya uploaded three videos purportedly showing an EVM at Part 170 (Harindanga High School) being compromised and claimed Booth 189 was compromised as well, though the authenticity of the videos could not be independently verified.
BJP demands repoll in Falta citing tampering; Diamond Harbour Model
April 29, 2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded a repoll in Falta, alleging that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) was behind the tampering. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya described the incidents as the Diamond Harbour Model and posted claims on social media about blocking the BJP vote at multiple booths using tape.
ECI seeks Falta report from South 24 Parganas amid EVM tampering allegations in Phase 2 polls
April 29, 2026
On April 29, 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) sought a report from poll authorities in South 24 Parganas after allegations emerged that EVMs in Falta assembly constituency were tampered with during the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections. The allegations came as sporadic clashes and tension were reported from several constituencies.