Election Commission Acts Swiftly After VVPAT Slips Found Dumped
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar made a crucial statement on Saturday addressing concerns about electoral integrity after a significant number of VVPAT slips were discovered discarded by the roadside in Bihar's Samastipur district.
The top election official provided immediate clarification that these slips originated from mock polls conducted before actual voting commenced and confirmed that the assistant returning officer responsible for this lapse has been suspended from duty.
Official Response and Investigation
In an official statement released through news agency ANI, Kumar detailed the Commission's response: "The District Magistrate, Samastipur, was directed to visit the spot and inquire. As these are VVPAT slips of mock polls, the integrity of the polling process remains uncompromised."
The Election Commission took multiple disciplinary actions in response to the incident. The concerned assistant returning officer faces suspension for negligence, and authorities are registering a First Information Report regarding the matter. Contesting candidates in the constituency have been formally informed about the situation by the District Magistrate.
Incident Details and Political Context
This incident occurred within the Sarairanjan assembly segment of Samastipur district, which was among the 121 constituencies that participated in the first phase of voting on Thursday. The discarded slips were found in close proximity to a college in the area.
The election body initiated prompt action after a video showing the scattered VVPAT slips began circulating widely across social media platforms, drawing public attention and concern.
The Sarairanjan assembly seat carries significant political importance, having been represented since 2010 by Vijay Kumar Chaudhary from chief minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United). In the current electoral contest, Chaudhary faces competition from Arbind Kumar Sahani of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Sajan Kumar Mishra representing the Jan Suraaj Party, along with other candidates.
Election Schedule Moving Forward
The second and concluding round of polling is scheduled to cover the remaining 122 assembly seats on November 11. Vote counting for both phases of the Bihar elections will occur simultaneously on November 14, determining the final outcomes across all constituencies.
The Election Commission's swift response and transparent communication aim to maintain public confidence in the electoral process despite this procedural lapse during mock polling activities.
