According to the Commission, detailed scrutiny of Form 17A, the official Register of Voters, along with associated polling documents, was carried out on April 24. The exercise covered all constituencies that participated in the first phase of polling in West Bengal and the entirety of Tamil Nadu.
In West Bengal, the verification process spanned all 152 assembly constituencies. It was conducted in the presence of general observers and more than 600 candidates or their authorized representatives. The Commission confirmed that all 1,478 candidates had been informed in advance about the scrutiny process. Following the examination, no repoll was recommended across 44,376 polling stations that recorded votes on April 23.
In Tamil Nadu, the scrutiny covered all 234 assembly constituencies. The process was attended by general observers and 1,825 candidates or their representatives, with prior notification issued to all 4,023 candidates. After reviewing records from 75,064 polling stations that went to polls on April 23, the Commission similarly found no grounds to order a repoll.
The Election Commission stated that the entire scrutiny exercise was videographed to ensure transparency and accountability. After inspection, all Form 17A records and related materials were securely re-sealed.
The Commission further confirmed that Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail units have been stored in sealed strong rooms under continuous security arrangements. These include a double-lock system and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. Officials have been instructed to carry out regular inspections of these facilities, while candidates’ representatives have been granted access to monitor the premises.
The decision underscores the Commission’s position that the polling process in both states adhered to established electoral procedures, reinforcing confidence in the integrity and transparency of the electoral system.
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