Falta Election Result Updates: BJP wins by ‘record margin’ of over 1 lakh votes, PM Modi congratulates Debangshu Panda

BJP candidate Debangshu Panda secured a decisive victory in the Falta assembly constituency of West Bengal, winning by a record margin of 1,09,021 votes over CPI(M)’s Sambhu Nath Kurmi in a repoll held on May 21. The counting process, which began at 8 am under tight security, saw Panda lead by over 76,000 votes after 16 rounds, ultimately polling 1,11,270 votes. The repoll followed allegations of tampering with EVMs and web camera footage during the original polling on April 29, which was countermanded due to irregularities. The victory marks a significant shift in the constituency, previously considered a stronghold for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). TMC’s nominee Jahangir Khan, who had withdrawn from the race two days before the repoll, finished fourth with just 5,319 votes. Congress candidate Abdur Razzak Molla secured third place with 9,284 votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Panda on his win, posting on X that the result reflected the people’s faith in the BJP and the party’s work in West Bengal. Modi also praised BJP workers for their efforts and vowed continued progress for the state. The repoll covered all 285 booths in Falta’s South 24 Parganas district. An Election Commission official confirmed the counting proceeded peacefully, with adequate security measures in place. The allegations of irregularities included the use of perfume-like substances and adhesive tapes on EVMs, as well as attempts to manipulate web camera footage. Panda’s victory brings the BJP’s total seat count in the West Bengal Assembly to 208, solidifying its dominance in the state.