EC Orders Repoll in 77 Booths in West Bengal After EVM Irregularities

Kolkata: The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 77 booths across West Bengal following widespread irregularities detected in electronic voting machines (EVMs). This decision came after reviewing complaints from the second phase of polling.

The commission received 77 serious complaints, including allegations of EVM tampering. Dramatic clashes unfolded in Bhavanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari are contesting.

Tensions erupted when TMC workers blocked Suvendu Adhikari at a Kalighat booth and raised slogans against him, escalating into a confrontation. Both sides accused each other of attempting to rig the polls.

Despite the conflicts, the second phase recorded record turnout, with preliminary figures showing 92.17% participation—over 90% in most constituencies. The commission has directed enhanced security at the affected booths to counter tampering attempts.