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EC clarifies VVPAT slips were mock; Falta repolling announced ahead of Bengal counting
Hours before votes were to be counted in West Bengal, the Election Commission said the VVPAT slips found in a drain were mock slips from the commissioning stage and not linked to the actual poll. The discovery prompted complaints from the Trinamool Congress and a CPI(M) candidate, while EC and district officials ordered a detailed enquiry. Separately, repolling for the Falta seat was announced earlier, with counting scheduled for May 24 for Falta and May 4 for overall Bengal results.
Why It Matters
The incident centers on the integrity of the election process and how electoral irregularities are handled, especially as counts approach. The EC’s clarification and the subsequent inquiries seek to address accusations while elections proceed, potentially affecting public trust.
Timeline
4 Events
North 24 Parganas district officer supports EC clarification
May 3, 2026
The district election officer of North 24 Parganas seconded the CEO in an X post, stating that the VVPAT paper slips shown are related to a mock poll done before poll day and not to the actual poll conducted. A detailed enquiry has been initiated, and a formal complaint has been lodged for verification and action.
EC clarifies slips are mock poll slips; enquiry initiated
May 3, 2026
Anrindam Neogi, Joint Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, said images indicate the VVPAT paper slips are mock poll slips used during commissioning and not related to the actual poll conducted. A detailed enquiry has been initiated, and a formal complaint has been lodged with the concerned authorities for verification and action.
VVPAT slips found in Madhyamgram drain; Noapara booth reference
May 3, 2026
Hours before counting of votes in West Bengal, several VVPAT paper slips were found in a roadside drain in Madhyamgram, in North 24 Parganas. Police seized the slips, which allegedly belonged to Booth No 29 in the Noapara Assembly constituency. The Trinamool Congress lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, attaching a video as evidence. CPI(M) candidate Gargi Chatterjee demanded a probe.
Falta seat repolling announced by EC
May 2, 2026
The Election Commission announced repolling in Bengal's Falta assembly seat due to electoral offences. Repolling is scheduled for May 21, 2026, and votes will be counted on May 24, 2026.