Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Opposition Alleges Vote Rigging in Bengal By-Elections; Officials Disagree
By-elections were held in two places in West Bengal on October 6.
Congress and other opposition workers said some voters were stopped from voting and some polling agents were forced to leave.
Some voters said officials told them their votes had already been cast.
Congress asked for the elections to be held again, and its Rejinagar candidate held a sit-in.
BJP leaders rejected the accusations.
Rejinagar’s police chief said the vote was peaceful and that no vote-looting complaint had been filed.
The election observer said he checked video evidence and believed Rejinagar’s election was fair.
The reports give different turnout figures, measured at different times.
Results were scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Congress demanded fresh polling in Nandigram and Rejinagar, alleging voter intimidation, irregularities and the removal of its polling agents.
Voters and opposition workers reported being turned away or told their votes had already been cast; these accounts remain allegations.
Candidates also alleged that police or security personnel obstructed voters and opposition workers; Rejinagar candidate Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi staged a sit-in.
BJP leaders rejected the accusations, while Rejinagar police chief Sachin Makkar said voting was peaceful and no vote-looting complaint had been lodged.
Election observer Harshal Pancholi said he reviewed video evidence and considered Rejinagar’s poll free and fair; reported turnout figures varied by time and source.
- Who
- Congress and other opposition candidates and workers, BJP representatives, police, election officials, and voters in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
- What
- Opposition parties alleged voting irregularities and demanded re-polling; BJP leaders, police and Rejinagar’s election observer disputed or rejected the allegations.
- When
- Tuesday, October 6, 2026; results were scheduled for October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Nandigram in Purba Medinipur district and Rejinagar in Murshidabad district, West Bengal.
- Why
- Congress said alleged voter intimidation, voters being turned away and polling agents being removed compromised the by-elections.
Opposition allegations
BJP and officials’ responses
Whether voting was fair
Opposition allegations
Congress and other opposition voices alleged voters were intimidated or turned away, some votes were said to have already been cast, and polling agents were forced out. Congress demanded re-polling.
BJP and officials’ responses
BJP leaders dismissed the accusations as frustration over electoral performance. Rejinagar police chief Sachin Makkar said the poll was peaceful, and observer Harshal Pancholi said video evidence left him satisfied with its conduct.
Police and security-force conduct
Opposition allegations
Candidates and opposition workers accused police or security personnel of restricting movement, obstructing voters and mistreating agents. Milan Pradhan also alleged that CRPF personnel beat him.
BJP and officials’ responses
Police said Humayun Kabir was detained over allegations that he tried to influence voters and incite them. BJP leaders defended the police response and rejected claims of election-related wrongdoing.
- Congress demand
- Total re-polling in Nandigram and Rejinagar.
- Rejinagar candidate
- Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi staged a sit-in outside the local police station.
- Reported turnout
- One report cited 78.42% in Rejinagar and 79.39% in Nandigram by 5 p.m.; another cited 71.79% in Nandigram by 3 p.m.
- Police response
- Murshidabad district police chief Sachin Makkar said Rejinagar’s by-election was peaceful and no vote-looting complaint had been lodged.
- Election observer
- General observer Harshal Pancholi said he reviewed video evidence and was satisfied with the conduct of voting in Rejinagar.
- Congress allegations
- The party alleged voter intimidation, removal of polling agents and irregularities in both constituencies.
- Results
- Scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Sources
Bengal bypolls: Congress demands total re-polling in Nandigram, Rejinagar amid ‘vote-loot’ charges
‘Police acting like BJP agent’: Bengal bye-election was rigged, allege Opposition workers
‘Vote loot’ in Nandigram, Rejinagar bypolls; police, Election Commission helped BJP: Congress - Telegraph India
Congress Demands Re-Polling In Nandigram, Rejinagar Over Alleged Irregularities
