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West Bengal election 2026: Repoll ordered at 15 booths in Magrahat Paschim, Diamond Harbour on May 2
Samira Vishwas | May 1, 2026 11:24 PM CST

The Election Commission of India has ordered a repoll at 15 polling stations across two assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district — 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim (AC 142) and 4 booths in Diamond Harbour (AC 143) — after declaring the poll taken on April 29, 2026 at these stations void following reports received from Returning Officers and Observers.

The fresh poll will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, under sub-section (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The booths where repoll has been ordered

In Magrahat Paschim, the 11 polling stations are Uttar Yearpur FP School Room No. 2, Najra FP School Room no. 1, Najra FP School Room No. 2, Deula FP School Room No. 1, Ghola Noyapara Girls’ High Madrasha Room no. 2, Ektara Malaya FP School Room No. 1, Ektara Malaya FP School Room No. 2, Ektara Malaya Dhora FP School Room No. 1, Bahirpuya Kurkuriya FP School Room no. 1, Bahirpuya Kurkuriya FP School Room no. 2, and Bahirpuya Kurkuriya FP School Room No. 3.

In Diamond Harbour, the four polling stations are Bagda Junior High School, Chanda F.P. School Room No. 2, Haridevpur F.P. School, and Roynagar F.P. School Room No. 2.

Why this matters

Both Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour are among the most politically sensitive constituencies in South 24 Parganas — a district that has historically been one of the most contested and violence-prone in West Bengal elections. Diamond Harbour in particular has been a high-profile seat given its association with TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee.

The ECI’s decision to void the poll at these 15 booths and order a fresh vote signals that the Commission received credible reports from its Returning Officers and Observers indicating that free and fair polling was compromised at these specific stations on April 29. The nature of the disruption — whether booth capturing, intimidation, technical failure or any other irregularity — has not been specified in the Commission’s formal order.

The ECI has directed the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal to ensure the widest possible publicity about the repoll through beating of drums and other means in the polling areas, and has instructed that all contesting candidates be informed in writing. The District Election Officer for South 24 Parganas and the Returning Officers for both constituencies have been directed to make immediate arrangements.

West Bengal election results are scheduled for May 4, 2026.


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