BJP candidate Debangshu Panda won the Falta assembly repoll in West Bengal by a margin of 1,09,021 votes, delivering a major victory for the party in a constituency earlier seen as a Trinamool Congress stronghold.
Speaking to ANI after he was declared the winner, Panda said the people of Falta had extended their support to the BJP.
"Eighteen rounds of counting have been done, and we are leading by a margin of 92,000. Three rounds are remaining...I want to thank the people of Falta," he said.
Panda secured 1,49,666 votes, defeating CPI(M) candidate Sambhu Nath Kurmi, who polled 40,645 votes. Congress nominee Abdur Razzak Molla came third with 10,084 votes, while TMC candidate Jahangir Khan received around 7,783 votes.
Who is Debangshu Panda?
According to MyNeta.info, Debangshu Panda holds a Graduate Professional qualification and earned his Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree from the University of Calcutta in 2006. Professionally an advocate.
Panda was engaged in legal practice before contesting the 2026 Falta Assembly repoll election.
{{/usCountry}}Panda was engaged in legal practice before contesting the 2026 Falta Assembly repoll election.
{{/usCountry}}According to the election affidavit filed for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Debangshu Panda has declared movable assets worth ₹1.3 crore, while his total assets stand at ₹1.9 crore.
The affidavit also includes details of his income, properties, liabilities, and criminal record, if any.
Also Read | BJP's Debangshu Panda's massive win in Falta bypoll, victory margin of over 1 lakh votes
Falta repoll
Polling for the re-election in the constituency was conducted on May 21 amid heavy security arrangements, with the Election Commission of India reporting an approximate voter turnout of 88.13 per cent.
Security was also heightened at and around Diamond Harbour Women’s University, the designated counting centre, where a large number of personnel were deployed to ensure a smooth and peaceful counting process.