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Bhubaneswar, Nov 10 (IANS) Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) RS Gopalan on Monday termed as baseless allegations that a truckload of electronic voting machines (EVMs) was brought from Ganjam district and hidden by the Nuapada District Returning Officer-cum-Collector.
During a press conference held here on Monday, Gopalan said the CEO received an allegation from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday that the Nuapada collector had illegally and fraudulently brought a truckload of EVM machines from Ganjam district on November 9.
Meanwhile, a particular news channel later aired the news without confirming the authenticity of the information from the CEO’s office. It was further alleged that these EVMs would be replaced with the original EVMs used during voting.
According to a statement issued by the office of CEO, Odisha, as per ECI protocol, EVMs and VVPATs in all 30 districts are stored under double lock and key in the district EVM warehouses. These warehouses are under 24×7 police surveillance with 24×7 CCTV surveillance, log book entries etc.
Collectors conduct monthly and quarterly inspections. These observations are recorded and reported.
Gopalan said, “Considering the seriousness of the allegations, we ordered an immediate inquiry. There are EVM warehouses in 30 districts across the state, all under 24×7 police security and CCTV surveillance. No EVMs from any other district have been brought to Nuapada. Only the machines stored at the Nuapada warehouse will be used for voting tomorrow (November 11).”
The CEO further said that the CCTV feeds of two warehouses in Ganjam district were thoroughly examined by the officials and it was found that neither any truck entered the warehouse nor any machine was taken out. He also said that quarterly inspection of EVM warehouses is done regularly in the presence of representatives of all political parties in the state.
All inspections are videotaped and maintained by the office of the CEO. Gopalan further clarified that the EVM warehouses in Ganjam district were not opened at all this entire month, even the monthly warehouse inspection has not been done yet. The office of the CEO has all the details regarding the EVMs used for training officials or for any other purpose.
He further said that at every stage, all activities are done in a transparent manner involving the candidates/political parties with proper prior information. Their participation is also recorded, they are provided with the list of EVMs and their acknowledgment is obtained.
CEO Gopalan urged the people of Nuapada and the state not to believe such factually incorrect and baseless allegations.
The BJD delegation had assured to provide evidence to prove its allegations. Gopalan said the party has not yet provided it.
–IANS
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