South 24 Parganas, May 24 -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato on Sunday claimed that voters were able to exercise their franchise freely for the first time in West Bengal during the Falta Assembly constituency re-poll, asserting that "democracy has returned" in the state.

His remarks come amid the ongoing counting of votes for the 144-Falta Legislative Assembly constituency re-poll in West Bengal.

Speaking to ANI, he said, "This time, people have voted freely for the first time... After some time, the results will be out. Wait for some time..."

He further alleged a lack of democratic process in previous elections in West Bengal, adding, "Today democracy has returned to West Bengal under the leadership of CM Suvend...