Falta Assembly Polls Cancelled, Re-Poll on May 21 After Serious Irregularities

May 3, 2026 : The Election Commission of India has taken the rare step of cancelling the entire polling process in the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Fresh polling will be conducted on May 21 across all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary booths. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 24.

According to the Commission, the decision follows credible reports of serious electoral offences and large-scale subversion of the democratic process during voting held on April 29. Reports submitted by election observers flagged multiple irregularities, including alleged tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs), intimidation of voters, and violations of established polling procedures.

In several polling stations, ballot unit buttons were reportedly covered with black tape, preventing voters from casting their votes properly. There were also instances of unauthorised individuals entering polling booths and casting votes on behalf of others. Additionally, missing or inconsistent video footage has raised further concerns about transparency and accountability.

Given the gravity of these violations, the Commission decided to order a complete re-poll to ensure a free and fair electoral process.