West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly elections have witnessed fresh political tension after the BJP alleged serious irregularities in the handling of EVM strongrooms. According to the party, a strongroom in Kolkata’s Bidhannagar area was opened at least 10 times without proper authorization and without the presence of designated observers or party representatives. The BJP has filed a complaint with the Sub-Divisional Officer, claiming violation of election protocols and demanding accountability. The issue has intensified already heated exchanges between the BJP and ruling TMC, both of whom have earlier raised concerns over security lapses and CCTV disruptions. Authorities have reportedly suspended six officials linked to the incident, while the Election Commission has maintained that all strongrooms remain sealed and under strict surveillance. The dispute has further raised questions about transparency and electoral integrity ahead of counting day. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya called the Assembly polls an “election of rejection” of Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress. Speaking before results, he said issues like “teacher recruitment scams” and unemployment hurt the ruling party. He claimed the BJP could cross 200 seats. Bhattacharya said the campaign focused on “Bengal first” and identity. “She will not be able to do anything this time,” he said. He added the party worked to place agents at every booth and build confidence. Results for the high-stakes election will be announced soon. (PC: India Today)

The Trinamool Congress alleged that a BJP-linked vehicle entered a strong room in Kolkata without proper checks. Party workers staged a protest over the claim. The Election Commission of India is overseeing counting set for May 4. Meanwhile, the poll panel ordered a full repoll in Falta in South 24 Parganas. It cited “severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process”. Voting will be held again on May 21 with strict security. Political leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and TMC exchanged sharp reactions over the developments. (PC: HT)

The Election Commission of India has ordered fresh polling in all 285 polling stations of West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency, citing “severe electoral offences” and a “subversion of the democratic process.” The decision follows widespread irregularities reported during voting on April 29, including alleged EVM tampering and disruptions. Repolling is scheduled for May 21 from 7 am to 6 pm, with counting set for May 24. Due to this move, results for the remaining 293 constituencies will be declared earlier. The unprecedented step aims to restore electoral integrity and ensure a free and fair voting process. (PC: NDTV)

The Election Commission of India has ordered a complete repoll in all polling booths of West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency on May 21, following serious complaints of irregularities during voting. Reports indicated disturbances, alleged malpractice, and violations of electoral norms, raising concerns about the integrity of the poll process. In response, the Commission has decided to conduct fresh voting under stricter supervision. Additional security personnel and observers will be deployed to ensure transparency and fairness. The move underscores the poll body’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in the state. (PC: ANI)

Tensions escalated in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district as residents of Falta staged protests alleging intimidation by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers ahead of vote counting. Locals claimed they were threatened with violence, including warnings that their homes would be burned if opposition parties won. Protesters, including women, demanded arrests of the accused and stronger security measures. Security forces, including CRPF personnel, were deployed to control the situation and ensure safety. The unrest comes amid ongoing repolling in nearby constituencies following earlier poll irregularities, highlighting heightened political tensions in the state. (PC: ANI)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified security measures ahead of vote counting in West Bengal by deploying additional police forces and appointing more counting observers. The move aims to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities amid heightened political tensions. Multi-layered security arrangements, including central forces and state police, have been expanded around counting centres. Observers will closely monitor the process to maintain fairness and credibility. The step follows concerns raised by political parties over counting procedures, with authorities emphasizing strict vigilance to guarantee a peaceful and impartial declaration of results on May 4. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has rejected exit poll predictions for the 2026 Assembly elections, calling them an attempt to manipulate the stock market and demoralize Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. She claimed that such projections were circulated under political influence and warned that the “truth” could impact markets. Confident of victory, Banerjee asserted that TMC would win over 200 seats, far exceeding exit poll estimates that suggest a tight contest or BJP advantage. She urged party workers to stay vigilant and trust internal assessments, framing exit polls as misleading narratives ahead of counting day. (PC: PTI)

Supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party clashed in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas during repolling at 15 booths, officials said. The repoll was ordered by the Election Commission of India after complaints of malpractice. Voting began peacefully in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour. Tensions rose in Falta, where residents alleged threats. “They said they will burn our houses,” a woman said. Another resident said, “We voted for Trinamool, yet they attacked us.” Turnout crossed 55% by afternoon. Fresh complaints were also raised over EVM strong room handling. 

Around 55% voter turnout was recorded in two West Bengal seats during repolling on Saturday. Magrahat Paschim saw about 56.3% turnout, while Diamond Harbour recorded 54.6% till 1 pm. Repolling is being held at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas after complaints of EVM tampering. The Election Commission of India ordered fresh voting in 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour. “Repolls have been ordered in these polling stations,” an official said. Earlier, the poll panel received at least 77 complaints. Issues included taped buttons and ink marks on EVMs, which affected voting.