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On May 3, 2026, however, just hours before counting, a major controversy arose in West Bengal in the Subhas Nagar area of Madhyamgram, North 24 Parganas. The slips, which are allegedly connected to the Noapara assembly booth, caused a strong reaction not only from the TMC but also from the BJP and CPI(M), which provoked questions in regard to the integrity of the elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) promptly issued a clarification that the slips discarded were those of mock polls that had been conducted before polling day and have no relation to actual votes cast during polling day, April 29. This has prompted a thorough investigation, and a complaint has been filed to take the required steps against any negligence.

Some of the police and district officials arrived at the scene, as the entire scuffle was under investigation. Although opposition parties insist on greater accountability, ECI insists that the actual polling data are safe in strong rooms. This has brought tension during the day of counting in the high-stakes Bengal polls.