PIB Flags Fake IB Report On West Bengal Elections 2026; EC Reviews Repoll Demand

The fact-checking unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has flagged a fake document circulating on social media that falsely claims to be an assessment by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) regarding the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.

According to PIB Fact Check, the report titled ‘Preliminary Assessment of West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026’ is not authentic and has not been issued by the Intelligence Bureau.

The agency has urged the public to verify such information only through official government sources. It urged people to report suspicious content to curb misinformation.

The Election Commission of India is examining complaints related to the second phase of polling. It is reviewing the matter before taking a final call. The decision concerns possible repolling.

The review is part of its standard post-election assessment process to ensure the integrity of the voting exercise.

Officials indicated that a poll for repolling in 77 booths across four Assembly constituencies in South 24 Parganas district are under consideration. The requests come after polling held on 29 April.

Authorities are also analysing security arrangements and voting data from the identified locations.

The second and final phase of the elections witnessed heavy participation, with voting held across 142 constituencies in seven districts.

The turnout in Phase 2 exceeded 92.6 per cent. Overall participation across both phases reached nearly 93 per cent. This marks the highest level recorded since Independence.

Approximately 3.21 crore voters were eligible in this phase, with polling conducted under strict security arrangements.

Despite isolated incidents of violence in some areas, authorities maintained control over the process.

The outcome of the election will likely determine whether the current government retains power or a new administration takes charge. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.

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