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Himachal elections: EVM found in private vehicle in Shimla, polling party suspended, Congress alleges disturbances

Congress workers stopped a polling party in Rampur area of ​​Shimla district on Saturday night for allegedly carrying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in a private vehicle. Following this Congress workers protested and also accused the polling team of EVM tampering, following which the District Election Commission officials immediately suspended the members of the polling team. Speaking to the media, Congress MLA Nand Lal said, “EVMs were being taken in a private car. We followed it up and also informed the police and Election Commission officials.” As per rules, after the polling process is over, EVMs have to be taken by government vehicles to the counting center. Let us tell you that in Himachal Pradesh, voting was held on Saturday for the election of the new government on 68 seats.

Congress accuses BJP

District Election Commission officials said that after the completion of polling, they received information that polling party number 146 assigned to Dattanagar-49 was carrying the EVM/VVPAT in its private vehicle, which has the registration number HP-03D-2023. Congress workers alleged that EVM/VVPAT machines were being taken away with the intention of tampering at the behest of BJP.

As soon as the incident was reported, the police administration reached the spot, tried to pacify the protesters and sent EVM/VVPAT machines to the strong room. Election Commission officials closely examined the EVM/VVPAT machines outside the strong room in the presence of Congress and BJP workers and claimed that the machines were sealed properly and no tampering was found.

Use of private vehicle in haste

Officials claimed that the polling party used a private vehicle in a hurry to surrender the EVM/VVPAT machines and absolve themselves.

Returning Officer (SDM) Surendra Mohan said that we found that polling party number 146 was carrying EVM/VVPAT machine in a private vehicle, which is a clear violation of the ECI directive and prima facie found that the party did not follow proper procedures. Have not done and violated the rules.