Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Elections: EC Completes Form 17A Scrutiny; No Repoll Recommended

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 15:40 IST

In Tamil Nadu, scrutiny was completed across all 234 Assembly Constituencies on April 24.

The Election Commission of India on Saturday said its post-poll scrutiny of voting records for Phase-I of the 2026 Assembly elections and bye-elections has been completed, with no repoll recommended in either Tamil Nadu or West Bengal.

In an official statement, the Commission said it examined Form 17A (Register of Voters) along with other poll-day documents. The exercise aimed to ensure transparency, detect any malpractices at polling stations, and recommend repolls wherever required. After reviewing all records, no irregularities warranting a repoll were found in either state.

What Is Form 17A?

Form 17A is the official register of voters maintained at each polling station. It records details of every voter who casts their vote, including their signature or thumb impression. This document plays a key role in verifying voter turnout and ensuring that polling has been conducted as per rules.

Scrutiny Completed In West Bengal

According to the Commission, scrutiny in West Bengal was conducted on April 24, 2026, across all 152 Assembly Constituencies that went to polls in Phase-I. The process was carried out by Returning Officers in the presence of General Observers.

More than 600 candidates or their authorised representatives participated. All 1,478 candidates were informed in advance about the schedule. No repoll was recommended from any of the 44,376 polling stations that voted on April 23.

Tamil Nadu Records Smooth Verification Process

In Tamil Nadu, scrutiny was completed across all 234 Assembly Constituencies on April 24 in the presence of General Observers and 1,825 candidates or their representatives.

The Commission said all 4,023 candidates were informed beforehand about the date, time and venue of scrutiny. Following the exercise, no repoll was recommended from any of the 75,064 polling stations that went to polls on April 23, 2026.

Strong Security Measures In Place

The ECI said the entire scrutiny process in both states was videographed. After completion, Form 17A and related materials were re-sealed under the Returning Officer’s seal.

It added that EVM-VVPAT machines have been securely stored in strong rooms, sealed in the presence of observers and candidates or their representatives. Security arrangements include a double-lock system, round-the-clock two-tier security, and CCTV surveillance.

Returning Officers have been directed to inspect strong rooms twice daily, while District Election Officers will conduct regular checks. Candidate representatives are also allowed to monitor the premises.

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