Panchkula: With the municipal corporation polling concluded, the political focus has shifted to the strong room, where leaders and workers from various parties — particularly the opposition — are maintaining a round-the-clock vigil over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
EVM Security Measures
The machines were moved to the strong room on Sunday after polling concluded. Since then, party representatives have been stationed outside, utilizing designated space provided by the administration. Earlier, they would set up temporary tents near the site. The atmosphere remains charged yet informal, with leaders often engaging in banter while closely tracking possible outcomes. Conversations frequently oscillate between light-hearted exchanges and political calculations about results.
Party Representatives Speak
"Leaders of all parties are here in shifts to ensure no tampering with the EVMs. Councillors and mayoral candidates are also visiting," said Manoj Aggarwal, INLD mayoral candidate and district president. Panchkula Congress president Sanjay Chauhan stated that party workers were present in large numbers "to ensure nothing goes wrong," while raising concerns over CCTV cameras outside the strong room being non-functional for about 90 minutes on Monday.
BJP district president Ajay Mittal remarked, "Mostly Congress leaders are camping there. We also have some of our leaders keeping watch." Counting is scheduled for Wednesday.
