EVM security under threat, says Phoolka

Gagandeep Singh

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 7

A day after accusing a Returning Officer (RO) in Ludhiana district of entering a strong room on the premises of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), AAP leader and Dakha candidate HS Phoolka today visited the strong rooms in Jalandhar district. Later, he alleged that the standard operating procedure — laid down by the Election Commission (EC) to guard the strong rooms where the EVMs were stored — was not being followed.

“In view of the authorities’ casual approach towards the security of the strong rooms, we have asked our candidates in all constituencies to keep a tight vigil. I have also approached the Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner and the EC to ensure the EVMs’ safety,” Phoolka said.

Addressing mediapersons here, the AAP leader said, “The security measures in several strong rooms of the district are inadequate. In Jalandhar West constituency, the EVMs have been stored in a school. Classes are being held in a room adjoining the strong room. In Phillaur constituency, the EVMs have been kept in a school for patwaris, which is being visited by officials and civilians without any check. The situation is similar in Shahkot and Kartarpur constituencies,” he added.

He said the strong rooms were supposed to have three-tier security. “The first two tiers are being breached easily by civilians,” he added.

Phoolka said the guidelines stipulated that the EC should erect a waterproof tent outside the strong rooms to enable representatives of various candidates to keep a watch, but no step had been initiated so far.