Amid allegations over discarded VVPAT slips during the ongoing counting of votes in West Bengal, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Monday firmly rejected claims of any irregularities, asserting that “vote theft doesn’t even arise” given the robust security framework around Electronic Voting Machines.
Addressing concerns raised by political parties and reports circulating on social media, Agarwal said the integrity of the electoral process remains intact under the strict supervision of the Election Commission of India. He emphasised that EVMs and VVPAT systems are safeguarded through multiple layers of security protocols, both during polling and counting.
“The system is designed in such a way that tampering is virtually impossible. There are clear procedures for handling VVPAT slips, and any deviation is immediately investigated,” he said, urging stakeholders not to spread misinformation.
The clarification comes after allegations surfaced in parts of the state regarding discarded VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) slips, which some opposition leaders claimed could indicate discrepancies in vote counting. Election officials, however, maintained that such instances—if any—are being examined and do not point to systemic flaws.
Agarwal explained that VVPAT slips are used for verification purposes and are counted in select polling stations as per established guidelines. The process, he said, is transparent and carried out in the presence of polling agents from all major parties, ensuring accountability at every step.
Meanwhile, tight security arrangements continue at counting centres across West Bengal, with central forces and state police deployed to prevent any disruption. The Commission has also placed observers at sensitive locations to oversee the process and address complaints in real time.
Political tensions have remained high as early trends indicate a closely watched contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Trinamool Congress, prompting heightened scrutiny of the counting process.
Election authorities have urged all parties to rely on official updates and avoid drawing conclusions based on unverified claims. “The process is transparent, monitored, and rule-bound. There is no scope for manipulation,” Agarwal reiterated.
As counting continues, the Commission’s response aims to reassure voters and political stakeholders that the electoral system remains secure and credible, even amid heightened political contestation.
