"People voted freely for first time": BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato on Falta repoll

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato on Sunday claimed that voters were able to exercise their franchise freely for the first time in West Bengal during the Falta Assembly constituency re-poll, asserting that "democracy has returned" in the state. His remarks come amid the ongoing counting of votes for the 144-Falta Legislative Assembly constituency re-poll in West Bengal.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "This time, people have voted freely for the first time... After some time, the results will be out. Wait for some time..." He further alleged a lack of democratic process in previous elections in West Bengal, adding, "Today democracy has returned to West Bengal under the leadership of CM Suvendu Adhikari... You can ask anyone about the situation here in the last ten years. There were no elections as people were not allowed to vote. This was their Diamond model."

Meanwhile, the counting of votes for the high-stakes Falta Assembly constituency repoll in West Bengal has taken a decisive turn. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda has established a commanding lead as officials move through the 21 scheduled rounds of counting under heavy institutional security. According to the Election Commission of India, as of 2:30 pm, Panda is maintaining a strong lead, securing 111,270 votes, accounting for 68.57% of the total vote share after the 16th round of counting out of 21. Sambhu Nath Kurmi of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is placed second with 34,873 votes (21.49%), followed by Abdur Razzak Molla of the Indian National Congress with 9,284 votes (5.72%).

Jahangir Khan of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), who had announced his withdrawal from the contest before the repoll, is in fourth position with 5,319 votes (3.28%). The repoll in Falta was ordered after irregularities were reported during polling in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, which were held in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

The BJP formed its first government in West Bengal after winning 207 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections, with Suvendu Adhikari taking oath as Chief Minister. (ANI)

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