Dispelling doubts raised over the security of EVMs, Chief Electoral Officer Maneesh Garg has expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements at strong rooms housing EVMs and VVPAT machines and its day-night monitoring by CCTVs and the security agencies.
Recently, Congress candidate Ghumarwin Rajesh Dharmani raised a doubt on the security of the EVMs in his Assembly constituency (AC) and complained that a person was seen suspiciously roaming around the strong room trying to shoot a video where the EVMs had been kept.
Alleging serious lapses, he had made a written complaint to SDM Ghumarwin demanding an inquiry into the matter. He had even threatened to stage a protest by resorting to ‘chakka jam’ if action was not taken on his complaint.
The CEO, who is on a four-day visit to Sirmour, Solan and Bilaspur districts, inspected strong rooms and counting centers at Sarahan, (Pachhad AC) and Nahan (Nahan AC), late evening yesterday.
Deputy Commissioner, Sirmaur, R K Gautam said that an inspection of strong rooms and counting centers was done on Saturday at Sangrah in Renuka Assembly Constituency (AC) and in Shillai AC. Garg will be visiting Paonta Sahib AC on Sunday and later will also be visiting Solan and Bilaspur districts.
“I also met some of the representatives of the candidates who are in the fray for the assembly elections, who seem to be satisfied over the security arrangements around the strong rooms and counting centers,” said Garg.
The CEO also reviewed the layout plan of the proper movement of the EVM machines and its passage from strong rooms to counting centers, which will be moved for counting on 8 December.
He said that there are five strong rooms in Sirmour district and all are being monitored through CCTV cameras 24×7.