West Bengal panchayat elections: Repolling held at 696 booths in 19 districts

The State Election Commission had ordered repolling on the basis of reports of violence and tampering with ballot boxes and ballot papers.

Jul 11, 2023 - 01:30

West Bengal panchayat elections: Repolling held at 696 booths in 19 districts

Repolling for the panchayat elections was held at 696 booths across West Bengal on Monday, a day after the polling process was declared void due to allegations of violence and electoral malpractices.

The panchayat elections, which took place on July 8, were marred by widespread violence. At least 20 persons have died in poll-related violence till Monday, according to The Indian Express. Incidents of destruction of ballot boxes and intimidation of voters were also reported in some areas of the state.

The State Election Commission ordered repolling at 696 booths in 19 districts on the basis of reports of violence and tampering with ballot boxes and ballot papers, PTI reported. The highest number of such booths was in Murshidabad district (175), followed by Malda (109).

Repolling was held at 89 booths in Nadia, in Cooch Behar, 46 in North 24 Parganas, 42 in Uttar Dinajpur, 36 in South 24 Parganas, 31 in Purba Medinipur and 29 in Hooghly.

The voting began at 7 am and ended at 5 pm. A turnout of 53.9% was recorded till 3 pm, according to PTI. Voting began late at some booths because ballot boxes did not arrive on time.

The results of the panchayat election will be announced on Tuesday.

Tight security arrangements was in place, with four personnel from central security...