The counting of votes for the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas re-election began at 8:00 am on Sunday under tight security, with continuing trends showing a decisive lead for BJP candidate Debangshu Panda. From the very first round, Panda surged ahead and has maintained a commanding margin throughout the counting process.
By the end of the seventh round, Panda had secured 44,792 votes, leading by a substantial margin of 26,339 votes. The CPI(M) candidate Shambhunath Kurmi held the second position with 18,453 votes. Abdur Razzak Molla of the Indian National Congress stood third with 4,207 votes, while Jahangir Khan of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) remained in fourth place with 2,123 votes.
The BJP candidate’s lead steadily widened with each round of counting. After the sixth round, Panda had secured 37,474 votes with a lead of 19,701 votes, while Kurmi had 17,773 votes. At the end of the fifth round, Panda’s tally stood at 30,562 votes with a lead of 14,514 votes, compared to Kurmi’s 16,048 votes. The fourth round saw Panda at 25,483 votes with a lead of 14,093 votes, while Kurmi had 11,345 votes. Earlier, at the end of the third round, Panda had already built a strong lead with 21,583 votes, ahead of Kurmi’s 7,346 votes. In the very first round itself, Panda secured 9,534 votes, far ahead of his competitors.
The counting is being conducted at Diamond Harbour Women's University under heavy security arrangements. Central forces and a large police presence have been deployed in and around the counting centre to ensure a peaceful process. Entry has been restricted strictly to authorised personnel, including candidates, counting agents, and officials, following proper verification of identity cards. According to administrative sources, the counting process has so far proceeded smoothly under close supervision.
Supporters and workers of various political parties gathered outside the counting centre since morning, while security personnel maintained strict vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents. Officials have emphasised that ensuring a transparent and orderly counting process remains their top priority.
Arriving early at the counting centre, Panda expressed strong confidence in his victory, stating that party workers were highly enthusiastic and mentally prepared. He asserted that the results would reflect a broader desire for political change across Bengal.
The re-poll, ordered by the Election Commission following large-scale malpractices by the TMC during the second phase of polling on April 29, has also drawn attention due to developments within the TMC. Shortly before the polls, its candidate, Jahangir Khan, withdrew from the contest, citing the “interest of Falta’s development.”
The party later clarified that the decision was entirely personal. However, the move sparked internal questions, with some party members reportedly raising concerns over the role of Abhishek Banerjee, MP from Diamond Harbour, under whose constituency Falta falls. His absence from the campaign has been a point of discussion within political circles. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is understood to have remarked that Khan should have consulted Abhishek before withdrawing from the election.
With the BJP having formed the government in West Bengal with a sweeping majority—winning 207 out of 293 seats—the party is now aiming to increase its tally further by securing the Falta seat. Senior leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and Samik Bhattacharya, were actively involved in the campaign’s final phase. As counting continues, the trends so far strongly indicate a decisive victory for the BJP in the Falta Assembly constituency.
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