New Delhi, April 25: The Election Commission of India has confirmed that no re-poll has been recommended in Tamil Nadu or West Bengal following detailed post-poll scrutiny of voter registers and election-day documents conducted after recent Assembly elections and bye-elections.
The Commission carried out verification of Form 17A registers and other polling records as part of its post-election review process aimed at enhancing transparency and identifying any irregularities that may warrant corrective action such as re-polling. Officials stated that the process is designed to strengthen electoral integrity and ensure accountability in voting procedures.
In West Bengal, scrutiny was conducted across all 152 Assembly constituencies that went to polls in the first phase held on April 23. The exercise was completed on Friday under the supervision of returning officers and general observers. Candidates and their authorised representatives were also present during the review process.
The Election Commission informed that all 1,478 candidates contesting in West Bengal were notified in advance regarding the schedule, venue, and procedure for the scrutiny. Following the examination of records across 44,376 polling stations, no discrepancies requiring re-poll were identified.
In Tamil Nadu, a similar scrutiny exercise was completed across all 234 Assembly constituencies. The process was conducted under the supervision of returning officers and observers, with participation from candidates and their representatives. The Commission stated that all 4,023 candidates in the state had been duly informed before the exercise.
After reviewing records from 75,064 polling stations in Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission confirmed that no re-poll was required in any constituency.
Officials further stated that the entire scrutiny process in both states was videographed to maintain transparency. Election documents, including Form 17A, were re-sealed by returning officers after verification to ensure procedural integrity.
The Commission also noted that Electronic Voting Machines and VVPAT systems have been secured in strong rooms under a double-lock mechanism, supported by round-the-clock two-tier security arrangements and CCTV surveillance. Candidate representatives have been permitted to maintain camps near strong rooms to monitor security protocols.
Voter participation remained notably high in both states. Tamil Nadu recorded approximately 85 percent turnout across all constituencies, while West Bengal registered over 92 percent polling in its first phase despite isolated incidents of violence.
The Election Commission stated that the high voter turnout reflects strong public engagement in the democratic process, while reaffirming that the post-poll scrutiny process ensures fairness, transparency, and procedural compliance in electoral operations.
