UP Election 2022: EC Responds To Akhilesh Yadav's Charges Of EVM Theft, Says Machines Marked For Training

UP CEO office clarified that all the EVMs used for voting have been sealed inside the strongroom and secured in a three-tier security cordon of the central paramilitary forces.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav addresses a press conference at party office in Lucknow, Tuesday, March 8, 2022. (PTI)

New Delhi: Ahead of the crucial results of the Uttar Pradesh assembly election 2022, the Election Commission has responded to the allegations made by the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) being mishandled.

Akhilesh Yadav accused the ruling BJP of trying to “steal” votes claiming a truck carrying EVMs was “intercepted” in Varanasi while two others got away.

The office of the Chief Electoral Officer of UP in a statement said that "rumour was spread by people of some political party by stopping the vehicle and alleging that these EVMs were used in elections."

"It was found during the investigation that these EVMs were marked for training,” Chief Electoral Officer of UP added. Ahead of the UP assembly election 2022 results, training has been organised on March 9 for officials involved in counting duty.

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The EC's statement came after a delegation comprising senior SP leaders Naresh Uttam and Rajendra Chaudhary, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar and Janwadi Party’s (Socialist) Sanjay Chauhan submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission alleging the “stealing of EVMs in Varanasi”.

The UP CEO office clarified that all the EVMs used for voting have been sealed inside the strongroom and secured in a three-tier security cordon of the central paramilitary forces.

These machines are completely isolated and secure and are continuously monitored by CCTVs throughout the day (24×7), noted the statement.

Clarifying over the confusion off alleged theft of EVMs, DM of Varanasi said: “All the candidates have been called, and they can see (the arrangements) and satisfy themselves. Observers have also called, and cross-checking will be done in their presence.”

The seven-phase Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls concluded on Monday. The counting of votes will be taken up on March 10.

(With PTI Inputs)