Re-polling at 15 booths across Magrahat (Paschim) and Diamond Harbour Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district began at 7 a.m. on Saturday under tight security arrangements involving central forces and state police. According to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office, the average turnout across all booths stood at 16.23% by 9 a.m., with Magrahat (Paschim) registering 16.58% and Diamond Harbour 15.83%. Voters at both constituencies reported a calm atmosphere, noting no tension during the re-polling process. Some, however, questioned the need for re-polling, stating they had not witnessed violence during the original polling held on April 29. Voting is being conducted at booths 46, 126, 127, 128, 142, 214, 215, 216, 230, 231, and 232 in Magrahat (Paschim), and booths 117, 179, 194, and 243 in Diamond Harbour.
Polling will continue until 6 p.m., with provisions to extend until the last voter in queue casts their ballot. Both constituencies had originally gone to polls in the second phase of West Bengal’s two-phase Assembly elections, which covered 152 constituencies on April 23 and the remaining 142 on April 29. The re-polling is being conducted peacefully, with authorities ensuring strict monitoring to prevent irregularities. Counting of votes for all constituencies, including those undergoing re-polling, is scheduled for May 4, with results to be declared the same day, marking the conclusion of this streamlined two-phase electoral process in the state.