Kolkata, May 4: Just hours before the counting of votes for 293 assembly seats in West Bengal, VVPAT slips were discovered near a petrol pump in Subhash Nagar, Nilganj, under the Madhyagram assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas. This discovery came after a Trinamool Congress worker and a BJP candidate shared photos and videos of the incident, prompting local election officials to take notice.
The District Election Officer of North 24 Parganas stated, “Upon investigation, it was found that the VVPAT paper slips are related to a mock poll conducted prior to the voting day. They have no connection to the actual voting that took place. A detailed inquiry has been initiated, and a formal complaint has been lodged for verification and action.”
Meanwhile, BJP candidate Arjun Singh from Noapara has also informed the election commission about the matter. Singh posted on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “VVPAT slips used in the EVM at booth number 29 in the Garulia area of the Noapara assembly constituency were found in a garbage heap on Sunday evening in Subhash Nagar, under the Dattapukur police station jurisdiction. According to regulations, VVPAT slips should be stored with the EVM in the strong room. Upon receiving the news, I personally went to the site, assessed the situation, and spoke with party workers. I have filed a complaint with the election commission and demanded a thorough investigation of the incident, along with strict action against those responsible.”
It is noteworthy that the counting of votes in West Bengal will commence at 8 AM on Monday, with all preparations in place. A total of 293 counting centers have been established across the state. To ensure transparency during the counting process, 539 observers have been appointed. Additionally, state police, state armed police, and central forces have been deployed in a three-tier security arrangement. Counting agents will not be allowed to leave the premises until the counting is complete.
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