2 hours agoPolitics
35LENS
4 SourcesKolkata, India
thebalanced.newsDiscarded VVPAT Slips Found in North 24 Parganas Ahead of Bengal Vote Counting; EC Initiates Inquiry
Ahead of vote counting in West Bengal, thousands of VVPAT slips were found discarded near a drain in North 24 Parganas' Subhashnagar area, specifically from booth number 29 of the Noapara Assembly segment. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate Gargi Chatterjee raised concerns and demanded an investigation. A scuffle involving CPI(M), BJP, and TMC workers occurred at the site. The Election Commission clarified the slips were from a mock poll before voting and initiated a formal inquiry.
Political Bias
60%30%10%
Sentiment
32%
AI Analysis
Political bias across 4 sources
● Left 60%● Center 30%● Right 10%
The articles present perspectives from multiple political parties, including CPI(M), BJP, and TMC, highlighting their reactions to the VVPAT slip discovery. The Election Commission's clarification is included to provide an official viewpoint. Coverage balances allegations of irregularities with the EC's explanation, reflecting a range of political and institutional perspectives without favoring any side.
Sentiment — Negative (32/100)
The overall tone is serious and concerned, reflecting the gravity of the alleged electoral irregularity and ensuing tensions. While the discovery prompted allegations and a scuffle, the Election Commission's clarification introduces a neutralizing element. The sentiment is mixed, combining apprehension over the incident with official reassurances and ongoing investigation.
How 4 sources covered this story
Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.
| Source | Their headline | Bias | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| republicworld | Video Shows VVPAT Slips Dumped On North 24 Parganas Road Just Hours Ahead Of Vote Counting, ECI Clarifies | Center | Neutral |
| thestatesman | VVPAT-like slips found on roadside in Bengal's North 24 Parganas; EC says 'not linked to actual votes,' orders probe | Left | Neutral |
| economictimes | 'Most of the slips are of my name': CPM alleges VVPAT irregularities ahead of Bengal counting | Left | Negative |
| economictimes | 'Most of the slips are of my name': CPM alleges VVPAT irregularities ahead of Bengal counting | Left | Negative |
Coverage timeline
economictimes broke this story on 3 May, 06:03 pm. Other outlets followed.
- 1economictimes3 May, 06:03 pm'Most of the slips are of my name': CPM alleges VVPAT irregularities ahead of Bengal counting
- 2economictimes3 May, 06:15 pm'Most of the slips are of my name': CPM alleges VVPAT irregularities ahead of Bengal counting
- 3thestatesman3 May, 06:23 pmVVPAT-like slips found on roadside in Bengal's North 24 Parganas; EC says 'not linked to actual votes,' orders probe
- 4republicworld3 May, 06:37 pmVideo Shows VVPAT Slips Dumped On North 24 Parganas Road Just Hours Ahead Of Vote Counting, ECI Clarifies
Lens Score breakdown
35/100
Public interest0/100
Coverage gap90%
Story is receiving appropriate media attention relative to public interest.
Accountability flags
TBN's analysis identified the following accountability dimensions in this story.
- electoral malpractice
This story involves alleged interference in elections — voter suppression, booth capture, misuse of machinery, or funding violations.
Who's involved
Institutions and figures named across source coverage.
Government
PoliceElection Commission of India
Political
Trinamool CongressBharatiya Janata PartyCPI (M)Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Enforcement
Police
Story context
- Category
- Politics
- Location
- Kolkata, India
- Sources analysed
- 4
- Last analysed
- 3 May 2026
- Key entities
- Voter-verified paper audit trailCommunist Party of India (Marxist)North 24 Parganas districtWest BengalNoapara Assembly constituencyPanchayati rajMadhyamgramBengalKolkataNilganjTrinamool CongressBharatiya Janata Party
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