Assam Jatiya Parishad moves ECI for CCTV in strongrooms for EVMs

STAFF REPORTER GUWAHATI:

CCTV Camera in Strongroom for EVM: The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has requested the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Election Commission of India (ECI), that "IP (Internet Protocol) CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) may perhaps be installed in every strongroom so that the same could be watched by each and every candidate from a distance or from home and office and be satisfied that the EVMS are in safe custody." AJP general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan further said in the letter to the CEC, "The other reason why we are requesting such a measure is that there is a big interval between the date of completion of election and the date of counting of the votes."

The first and second phases of polls were held on March 27 and April 1. The third and final phase of election will be held on April 6. The counting of votes will be conducted on May 2.

Explaining the reason for making the suggestion, the AJP added, "We are aware that the honourable Election Commission of India usually takes all possible steps for safety and security of strong rooms where polled EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) are stored. The Commission also allows physical monitoring of the strong rooms by representatives of the candidates. But, despite that, there are allegations and apprehensions about the safety and security of the polled EVMs during storage in the strong rooms."

It added, "We hope that honourable Commission would consider the proposal and implement the same at the earliest convenience."

The EC has asked the Minister to explain his position on the issue by 5 pm of April 2, 2021 failing which "the Commission shall take a decision without any reference to Sarma".

The development came after a delegation of the Indian National Congress (INC) submitting a complaint with the EC on March 30, 2021 with an allegation that Sarma threatened Mohilary.

"… the Commission is, prima facie, of the view that Sarma has violated the model code of conduct," the notice issued by the EC said.

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