EVMs shifting: DMK seeks special CEO to ensure safety of machines

DMK organising secretary RS Bharati, in his representation made to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), has urged the Commission to clarify the details of EVMs and VVPATs shifted and the purpose of it.

Bharati also wanted the Commission to “keep the shifted EVMs and VVPATs (under categories ‘C’ and ‘D’) in a ‘Strong Room’ custody, unconnected to the ‘Strong Room’ where polled EVMs and VVPATs (under Categories ‘A’ and ‘B’) with permission to the agents/representatives of the respective candidates to monitor the same.”

The DMK has also urged the EC not to shift any EVMs and VVPATs from any place to any place in the state without prior intimation to political parties in advance and the purpose of shifting.

Referring to the statement made by the CEO to media that EVMs and VVPATs were shifted on the orders of EC, expecting repoll in certain polling centres, Bharati said, “It is not known on whose request repolling is being processed. No affirmative order is communicated by the EC on the request made by our party for repolling in 10 booths in Pappireddypatti within Dharmapuri Parliamentary Constituency.”

The DMK said the trust on EC would further diminish if the modus - operandi behind these suspicious movements of EVMs and VVPATs was not clearly and transparently explained by the Commission.

Responding to the issue, CEO Satyabrata Sahoo told media persons that EVMs and VVPATs were moved on the orders of the EC, expecting repoll in locations where mistakes were committed by presiding officers in clearing EVMs and VVPATs during mock polls. Admitting that the mistakes were committed in clearing data after mock polling in 46 locations covering 13 districts, Sahoo said the district election officers had informed and the same was reported to the EC during the elections. “So, if they (EC) order repoll, we must be ready. Decision on ordering repoll must be taken by the EC.”

Not content with the CEO’s reasoning, DMK president MK Stalin alleged that the presser of CEO suggest that they are only facilitating irregularities using the new EVMs. The controversial statements of the CEO have confirmed that he’s functioning in the mindset of former Chennai Metro Water managing director even in the office of CEO, who should honestly conduct elections. Stalin also asked the EC to appoint a special CEO to ensure the safety of EVMs in the state.