Nuapada Administration Refutes Allegations of Illegal Movement of EVMs; Clarifies Protocols

Nuapada: The District Election Officer (DEO)-cum-Collector of Nuapada has strongly denied allegations made by a political party claiming that a truck carrying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was brought illegally from Ganjam district on November 9 ahead of the 71-Nuapada Assembly Constituency bye-election. A news channel had telecast the allegation without seeking clarification from the administration. Terming the charge as “serious and misleading,” the district authorities have issued a detailed statement to explain the Election Commission’s (ECI) protocols on the handling and movement of EVMs.

The administration clarified that EVMs and VVPATs are stored in secured district-level warehouses under double lock and key arrangements with round-the-clock police security and CCTV surveillance. Monthly and quarterly inspections are routinely carried out and documented. The DEO stated that DVR footage from Ganjam’s EVM warehouse shows that no warehouse was opened during the ongoing period and no truck movement took place there, countering the claim of machines being transported to Nuapada.

For the bye-election, 358 polling stations have been set up, and as per ECI norms, 720 sets of EVMs and VVPATs were requisitioned for First Level Checking. The administration emphasized that all these machines were taken only from the existing stock in Nuapada district itself. No EVMs were brought in from any other district nor were any sent out.

The process of preparing EVMs for elections involves four stages. First Level Checking was conducted between 22 and 26 September by ECIL engineers in the presence of representatives of recognized political parties. Following this, the first randomisation was carried out on October 9, during which 160 percent of the required units were selected through ECI’s computer-based software. These machines were then moved to the Returning Officer’s strong room at National College, Nuapada.

The second randomisation was conducted on October 27 in the presence of candidates or their authorized representatives, after which the machines were commissioned from October 27 to 29. Lists of operational and replaced machines were shared with all contesting candidates. The EVMs have since been kept under strict security and surveillance. On November 10, the strong room was opened under videography for dispatch of machines to presiding officers ahead of dispersal.

The administration reiterated that each Ballot Unit, Control Unit and VVPAT carries a unique serial number. These numbers are already in the possession of candidates, who can cross-verify them at polling stations during the mock poll as well as during counting.

The Collector stated that the political party which made the allegation was asked to provide specific evidence such as vehicle details or location of the alleged truck. No evidence has been submitted so far.

Calling the allegation “baseless and insidious,” the administration said such claims can undermine public trust in the electoral system and urged citizens not to fall for misinformation.

The DEO assured that the election process is being conducted in full transparency, strictly adhering to all guidelines of the Election Commission of India.