Falta Seat Counting Begins With BJP Dominance, Jahangir Khan Missing From Race

Kolkata: This time the election for Falta Assembly seat of Bengal is making headlines in the entire state. From re-polling to counting votes, political temperatures are high here. Counting started at 8 am on Saturday and in the initial trends, BJP candidate Debangshu Panda took a strong lead.

Who was the contest between?

Initially, the fight was considered to be direct between TMC and BJP. But just before voting the whole game changed. TMC candidate Jahangir Khan suddenly withdrew from the election race. The name remained in EVM, but they stopped the campaign. BJP is calling this its strength. At the same time, TMC alleges that due to pressure and environment, Khan had to step down.

Why did voting have to be conducted again here?

There was a lot of uproar in Falta seat during the second phase of voting on April 29. There were allegations of irregularities at many booths. Complaints were made that some EVMs were contaminated with suspicious substances and attempts were made to tamper with the webcam footage of several polling stations. When the matter heated up, the Election Commission got an investigation done. After investigation, re-polling was ordered at all 285 booths.

How was the re-polling?

This time the security was very tight. Extra deployment of central forces was made. Every sensitive booth was kept under surveillance. Voting was peaceful with around 88.78% turnout. This is more than 2021.

What was the result in 2021?

TMC had registered a big victory on this seat in 2021. But this time the situation seems to have changed. Initial trends are in favor of BJP. Political experts believe that the result of Falta is not just for one seat. This will reveal the changing equations of BJP and TMC in Bengal.

What will happen next?

Votes are to be counted in a total of 21 rounds. Right now BJP is ahead, but everyone's eyes are on the final result. If BJP wins this seat, it will send a big message to Bengal politics. This will be a shock for TMC, because this was considered their stronghold. Now it remains to be seen whether the trends change as a result or the game turns. Falta has really heated up the politics of Bengal.