By  Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati : In a major development, small trucks laden with so called ‘unused EVM’s’ were brought to a private location (Himatsingka Workshop) situated opposite to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Rural) on Sunday night at around 10:35 pm. As per reports, the EVMs were sent from different districts of the State of Assam to a place adjacent to the Strong Room situated at Amingaoan under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Rural). Local sources have informed that several truckloads of such commodities were deposited in the said godown. It is a known practice that neither the ECI nor the government authorities related to election relies on storage of such sensitive areas in a private premise devoid of security and other systems of checks and balances. Thereafter, as other such truck laden ‘unused EVM’s’ continued to reach the said location unabated, the authorities then allowed the storage of these machines in a place adjacent to the Strong Room in the jurisdiction of the DC, Kamrup (R).

A release by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), General Secretary, Diganta Chaudhury stated, “The usual practice of dispatching faulty/unused EVM’s back from duty is only after the same is verified by representatives of all political parties as done when the same is received and made ready for use before polls. It is confirmed from most of our Contesting Candidates that they have yet to undertake such an exercise, leave of letting such EVM’s out of their respective districts. In the absence of the mandatory provisions who has allowed the movement of these EVM machines?” Chaudhury also mentioned that despite several complaints to the ECI, the Chief Election Officer (CEO) did not initiate any action to transfer the incumbent DC, Kamrup (R) who is a resident of Sualkuchi within the same district this flouting all rules laid down for the said purpose. Moreover, Chaudhury alleged that the incumbent DC is known to be very close with MLA, Jalukbari and Cabinet Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and alleged that it is the sole reason for him not being transferred out of his home district. He questioned why the authorities having prior information have been keeping silent.

The APCC general secretary requested the CEO for an independent inquiry into the entire matter and to identify the lapses and fix responsibility on those who are found guilty of lapses in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities. He further requested to ensure that security of the existing Strong Room in not compromised.