National Desk, 3rd June: Repolling on Monday commenced at one booth each in the Barasat and Mathurapur Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal, following reports of violence and malpractices during the previous polling.
The repolling, which began at 7 am and is scheduled to continue until 6 pm, targets specific booths identified as problematic. In Barasat, the booth under scrutiny is situated at the Kadambagachi Saradar Para FP School in the Deganga assembly segment. Meanwhile, in Mathurapur, attention is focused on the Aaddir Mahal Srichaitanya Bidyapith in the Kakdwip assembly seat.
The decision to conduct repolling was made on Sunday by the Election Commission, based on recommendations from returning officers, district election officers, and relevant observers. This move reflects the Commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process despite challenges.
The Election Commission invoked special powers under Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, declaring the previous polling at these stations as “void” due to reported instances of malpractices and violence. Fresh polling has been scheduled for June 3 to ensure fairness and transparency.
The directive for repolling comes in the wake of clashes and violence witnessed during the final phase of Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal on June 1. Incidents of violence involving supporters of various political parties, including the Trinamool Congress, Indian Secular Front, and BJP, occurred in several areas, with notable intensity in Bayarbari (Basirhat) and Meraganj (South 24 Parganas), resulting in injuries to many individuals.
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