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‘10 lifetimes won’t be enough’: TMC dares BJP to contest Falta after repoll announced
Following reports of irregularities during the Falta phase two polling, the Election Commission announced a repoll for Falta. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee publicly challenged the BJP to contest the seat, while security measures and legal actions were activated in the area.
Why It Matters
The Falta repoll marks a rare instance of a full assembly constituency voting again after results, highlighting electoral integrity concerns in West Bengal and potentially influencing the state’s political outcome.
Timeline
6 Events
May 3, 2026: EC countermanding removes Falta from Monday's count
May 3, 2026
The Election Commission countermanded Falta from Monday’s count, narrowing the focus to the remaining seats that will determine the next government.
May 3, 2026: EC orders arrest of two aides linked to Jahangir Khan
May 3, 2026
The Election Commission ordered the arrest of Jahangir Khan’s aides, Izrafil Chokdar and Sujauddin Sheikh, in connection with the Falta electoral matter.
May 2, 2026: Tension in Hasimnagar; security stepped up
May 2, 2026
Tension flared in Hasimnagar, a locality within Falta, with villagers alleging threats from associates of the TMC candidate Jahangir Khan. A police observer visited the area as residents complained of inaction. Security was intensified with deployments of state police and central forces.
May 2, 2026: EC announces Falta repoll on May 21 with counting on May 24
May 2, 2026
The Election Commission announced a repoll in Falta for May 21, with counting scheduled for May 24, following concerns raised about electoral offences and irregularities during the previous polling.
May 2, 2026: Banerjee challenges BJP to contest Falta from Falta
May 2, 2026
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee posted on X challenging the BJP to contest from Falta, using strong language and inviting opposition figures to participate in the poll. The post followed BJP criticisms over alleged irregularities in Falta and the subsequent announcement of a repoll.
April 29, 2026: Falta second-phase polling amid alleged offences
April 29, 2026
During the second phase of polling in Falta, BJP leaders alleged that voters were prevented from choosing the party candidate at several polling booths. Data cited: 60 of 285 polling stations were affected (21%), impacting 53,967 voters (22.8% of the 2.36 lakh electorate). The Election Commission said the polling irregularities were noted with gaps in video footage, and that similar tampering elsewhere in Falta could not be ruled out.