Discarded VVPAT Slips In Subhashnagar Were From Mock Polls, Not Actual Voting: Election Commission Of India

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India issued an important clarification just hours before the counting of votes, after news of some VVPAT slips allegedly being found in the garbage came to light. This matter is related to Noapara assembly constituency of West Bengal, where political turmoil intensified after the receipt of these slips.

Were these slips related to actual voting?

The Election Commission clearly said that the VVPAT slips received are not those of actual voting. These slips were used during the mock poll (demo voting) conducted before the elections. According to the Commission, these have nothing to do with actual voting.

The Commission also informed that investigation into the entire matter has been initiated and a complaint has been registered for further action.

Where and how were the slips found?

These slips were found in the garbage heap in Subhashnagar area of ​​Ichhapur Neelganj Panchayat of Madhyamgram assembly constituency on Sunday evening. It was told that these were connected to the machine of booth number 29, which is located in Garulia area.

As per rules, VVPAT slips should be kept safe in the strong room along with the EVM. In such a situation, their meeting outside raises questions.

What allegations did the political parties make?

After this incident Arjun Singh and Gargi Chatterjee reached the spot. Arun Singh lodged a complaint with the Election Commission and said that the matter should be investigated impartially. He also demanded strict action against the culprits. At the same time, Gargi Chatterjee called it the negligence of the Election Commission and demanded to show the EVM unit before counting.

What questions did CPI(M) leaders raise?

Md Salim also expressed concern over this incident. He raised questions on the security of the strong room and claimed that many slips showed votes in favor of his party's candidate. He demanded a transparent investigation into the entire matter.

What will happen next now?

The Election Commission has clarified that this matter is related to mock poll, but the investigation will still continue. Before counting, such incidents further heat up the political atmosphere. Now everyone's eyes are on what comes out in the investigation and whether any negligence is proved or not.