Election 2026
ECI orders probe after mock poll VVPAT slips found discarded in Bengal's North 24 Parganas ahead of counting day
Hours before vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections on May 4, hundreds of VVPAT slips from booth number 29 in Noapara Assembly constituency were found discarded in a roadside drain in Subhashnagar, Ichapur Nilganj Panchayat under Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas, triggering political uproar.
Locals spotted the slips, bearing TMC, BJP, and CPI(M) symbols, scattered amid waste on Sunday evening, leading police recovery after tensions with protesters.
CPI(M) Noapara candidate Gargi Chatterjee alleged irregularities, saying, "This is the state of the Election Commission. It isn't the 'Nirvachan' Commission. It's the 'Nirjatan' (oppressive) Commission."
BJP candidate fot the seat Arjun Singh expressed grave concern over the integrity of the process, stating he would take the matter directly to the ECI.
"VVPAT slips used with the EVM of booth number 29, located in the Garulia area under the Noyapara Assembly constituency, were found in a garbage heap in Subhash Nagar, under the Duttapukur police station area, on Sunday evening. As per the rules, the VVPAT slips should be kept in the strong room with the EVM.
"Upon receiving news of the incident, I personally went to the spot, assessed the situation, and spoke with party workers. 'I have lodged a complaint with the Election Commission and demanded a proper investigation into the incident along with strict action against the guilty,' Singh wrote on X.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified the slips were mock poll samples from commissioning, not actual votes, per Joint Chief Electoral Officer Anindam Neogi quoted by NDTV.
"Prima facie, upon examination of the images circulated on social media, it appears that the VVPAT paper slips shown are mock poll slips used during the commissioning stage," Neogi stated, adding a detailed enquiry and complaint lodged.
The North 24 Parganas District Election Officer echoed on X that the slips relate to pre-poll mock exercises.
"Upon examination, it has been found that the VVPAT paper slips shown are related to mock poll done before poll day and are not related to the actual poll conducted on poll day.
"A detailed enquiry has been initiated, and a formal complaint has been lodged for verification & action," it added.
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