Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer RS Gopalan refuted BJD's claims of suspicious EVM movement for the Nuapada bypoll, emphasizing strict security protocols. He warned that unfounded allegations could severely damage public trust in the electoral system, stating such damage might be irreparable for decades.
BHUBANESWAR: Chief Electoral Officer RS Gopalan on Monday dismissed BJD’s allegation of suspicious movement of EVMs from Ganjam to Nuapada ahead of Tuesday’s bypoll, warning that unfounded charges could corrode public trust in the electoral system—damage he said may not be repairable for the next 75 years.BJD, in a memorandum submitted on Sunday, alleged that a truckload of EVMs was brought to Nuapada at the last moment, raising fears of vote manipulation. Around 254,000 voters will decide the fate of 14 candidates in the Nuapada bypoll.Addressing a news conference, Gopalan said a political party accused the Nuapada collector of illegally transporting EVMs from Ganjam on Sunday. “This is a very serious allegation. Therefore, this office felt it necessary to explain the Election Commission’s rules on EVM security for the knowledge of voters at large,” he said.He detailed that EVMs and VVPATs are stored in district warehouses under double lock and key, with 24x7 police guard, CCTV surveillance, and logbook entries. Collectors conduct monthly and quarterly inspections, which are recorded and reported.According to him, the Ganjam EVM warehouse was not opened this month, and...
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