The Election Commission of India has firmly rejected allegations regarding the mishandling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in West Bengal, asserting that all standard operating procedures were meticulously followed. The controversy erupted after a video surfaced showing ballot boxes being opened, prompting accusations from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) of electoral fraud in collusion with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission.
How EVMs Are Stored in Strong Rooms
After polling concludes, EVMs are transported under heavy security to designated strong rooms. These rooms are typically located in government buildings, such as district collectorates or police stations, and are guarded round-the-clock by central armed police forces. Access is restricted to authorized personnel only, and all entries are logged.
Security Measures
Strong rooms are equipped with CCTV surveillance, and the footage is monitored by election officials and candidates' representatives. The rooms are sealed with tamper-evident locks, and the seals are verified before any entry. In West Bengal, the Election Commission stated that all protocols were followed, including the presence of party agents during the sealing and opening of strong rooms.
The Allegations
The AITC shared a video claiming that EVMs were being opened without party stakeholders, calling it a 'murder of democracy.' The BJP countered, accusing the AITC of spreading misinformation. The Election Commission clarified that the video showed a routine inspection conducted with proper authorization and that all party representatives were notified.
EVM Security Protocol
EVMs undergo multiple layers of security: from manufacturing to storage, polling, and counting. Each machine is assigned a unique ID, and its movement is tracked via a tamper-proof system. The Commission emphasizes that EVMs are non-networked and cannot be hacked remotely.
Counting Day Procedures
On counting day, strong rooms are opened in the presence of candidates or their agents, and the seals are verified. The counting process is also videographed to ensure transparency. In the West Bengal case, the Commission has offered to review the CCTV footage to address any concerns.
The Election Commission urges political parties to rely on official information and avoid baseless allegations that undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
