Assam Congress Alleges Security Lapses In EVMs and ballot boxes Strongrooms

Guwahati : Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia on Wednesday alleged serious breach of norms in maintaining security of the strongrooms meant for EVMs of several constituencies including Nazira where he is contesting the election.

In a letter to Chief Electoral Officer Assam Anurag Goel, Mr Saikia who is also the leader of opposition in the Assam assembly claimed that there were “severe and alarming violations” of Election Commission guidelines in handling, storage, and security of post-poll materials. Mr Saikia also claimed that he has submitted photographic and video evidence to support his allegations.

Polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam was held on April 9. With counting scheduled for May 4, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), postal ballot boxes and other election materials have been kept in strongrooms created by Returning Officers of the constituencies.

Referring to an instance of specific strongrooms located at Sibsagar Government High School and MP School, Mr Saikia said that during his visit to the Material Safety Cell on April 14, he found Rooms 11, 12, and 13 not being maintained as per prescribed norms.

He alleged that the condition of access points showed “serious non-compliance” with security protocols. Of the doors inspected, only one was secured with a padlock, and even that was not properly sealed. Several doors were either loosely latched or shut from inside, making them easily accessible.

“In multiple instances, doors were either single-locked or internally locked, without following the mandatory double-lock system,” Mr Saikia stated.

He further noted that among three rooms designated for storing election materials, only one of six doors had a proper double-lock system in place. One of the doors storing materials for the Nazira constituency could reportedly be opened with slight external pressure.

The Congress leader also shared a video clip showing him pointing out these lapses to concerned officials.

Mr Saikia also alleged that sensitive election documents were inadequately secured, thereby compromising the sanctity and transparency of the electoral process. He also pointed out that the absence of a dedicated sentry post near the storage area.

He also claimed that personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) indicated that their deployment did not include guarding the election material rooms, which he described as a serious lapse. “The absence of proper sealing, double-locking, and security arrangements creates a significant risk of tampering or misuse of critical election materials,” he said.

Citing Election Commission rules, Mr Saikia emphasised that such materials must be stored either in a treasury, sub-treasury, or a properly secured strongroom with a double-lock system under authorised supervision.

He urged immediate intervention, calling for an inquiry, stricter compliance with guidelines, enhanced security arrangements including a dedicated sentry post, and action against officials responsible for the alleged lapses.

It is significant that a Congress candidate in Mangaldoi had also raised a similar alarm questioning the safety of the EVMs and ballot boxes stored at strongrooms.

(EOM)