By: The Trek News Desk
Amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a video from Bihar’s Samastipur district sparked controversy on Saturday after hundreds of VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) slips were found scattered along a roadside. The video quickly went viral on social media, prompting opposition parties, especially the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), to allege that the slips had been ejected from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used during actual polling.
However, the district administration dismissed the allegations, clarifying that the slips were not from real voting but from a mock poll conducted before the elections to test the machines’ functioning.
District Administration Responds
Samastipur District Magistrate Roshan Kushwaha confirmed that the slips were indeed from a mock poll held before voting day.
“Some slips were not disposed of properly after the mock poll, which led to their being found on the roadside,” Kushwaha said. “The polling staff responsible will be identified and action will be taken accordingly.”
He added that all contesting candidates had been informed about the incident to ensure transparency.
Viral Video Sparks Political Reactions
The viral video showed locals collecting VVPAT slips printed with various party symbols, triggering widespread concern over electoral transparency. RJD leaders accused the administration of negligence and questioned the credibility of the election process.
Election Commission Orders Action
Taking swift cognisance of the matter, the Election Commission of India (ECI) suspended the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) concerned.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed that an FIR had been filed against the ARO for dereliction of duty. He further directed the District Magistrate to submit a detailed inquiry report following an on-site inspection.
No Impact on Actual Voting, Say Officials
Election officials reiterated that the incident had no impact on the actual voting process or results.
“Mock polls are conducted at every polling station before the start of voting to test the EVMs and VVPAT machines. All data from these test runs are deleted before the actual polls begin,” a senior official clarified.
What Is a Mock Poll?
A mock poll is a pre-voting trial conducted to ensure that the EVMs and VVPATs are functioning correctly. Representatives of political parties are present during the process, where a few test votes are cast to verify accuracy. Once verified, the data is erased before polling begins.
Administrative Negligence or Misunderstanding?
While the incident has highlighted administrative lapses in handling mock poll material, authorities maintain that it has not compromised the integrity or transparency of the electoral process.
Opposition parties, however, have demanded a more detailed probe to ensure accountability and public trust in the election machinery.
Source: News Agencies
