Tension escalated in Falta, located in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, on Saturday as local residents took to the streets to protest against alleged threats and intimidation by members of the All India Trinamool Congress. The protest comes just days before the counting of votes for the state Assembly elections scheduled for May 4.

Residents claimed that they were being threatened by ruling party supporters and demanded immediate intervention. Many protesters called for a repoll in the Falta area, alleging that the voting process had been influenced by fear and pressure. They also urged authorities to deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) across the region to ensure safety and restore confidence among voters.

In response to the rising tension, authorities increased security in the area. Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and the Rapid Action Force were deployed at key locations. An armoured CRPF vehicle was also stationed in the region as a precautionary step to maintain law and order and prevent any escalation of violence.

The protest saw participation from a large number of residents, including several women, who raised concerns about their safety. They demanded strict action against those allegedly responsible for issuing threats. A local woman said, "TMC's Israfil Chowkidar has threatened us that if these people win, they will burn our houses and carry out bloodshed." Another woman alleged that even those who had supported the ruling party were not spared. "We had voted for TMC, yet they attacked us. We want him to be arrested. We need safety for women," she said.

Another protester claimed that a local leader from the ruling party entered the village along with a group of men on motorcycles and threatened residents. According to the protester, both men and women were intimidated, and warnings were issued that villagers could be attacked and even killed. These allegations have further increased fear among locals and intensified the protest.

The unrest in Falta comes at a time when repolling is being conducted in 15 booths across Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies. The Election Commission of India had ordered the repoll following reports of irregularities during the second phase of polling. The decision was taken to ensure a fair voting process in the affected booths.

As per data released by the Election Commission, voter turnout during the repoll was recorded at 56.33 per cent in AC No 142 Magrahat Paschim and 54.9 per cent in AC No 143 Diamond Harbour as of 2 PM. The overall polling percentage during the repoll process stood at 55.57 per cent, reflecting moderate participation from voters amid the tense atmosphere.

At the same time, a separate controversy has emerged regarding alleged irregularities in Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) strongrooms. The All India Trinamool Congress has filed a complaint against a Returning Officer at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. The party has accused the official of unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers. The centre is currently being used as a strongroom for storing EVMs, making the allegations serious in the context of election transparency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has also raised concerns over the handling of EVMs. The party alleged that a strongroom was opened without proper authorisation. Following these claims, an inquiry was initiated, and at least six officials have reportedly been suspended in connection with the incident.

Authorities have responded by tightening security arrangements across sensitive areas. Measures have been put in place to ensure that repolling is conducted peacefully and that the counting process on May 4 proceeds without disruption. Officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further unrest and to maintain order during this crucial phase of the election process.

The developments in Falta highlight the tense political environment in parts of West Bengal ahead of the counting day. Allegations from residents, combined with disputes over polling and EVM handling, have added to concerns about the conduct of the elections. With security forces on high alert, authorities are working to ensure that the remaining processes are carried out smoothly and without fear.