The Election Commsion in Assam has now ordered a fresh patch of votings in Ratabari seat the state, where a BJP leader was found with EVM in his car.
The four officials involved have been suspended by the poll panel according to a release by the poll panel. The incident had led to violence in Karimganj district where the seat is located.
The car belonged to the wife of BJP leader Krishnaendu Paul who is contesting from Patharkandi district. The opposition leaders cited this to a row of a massive malpractices by the ruling BJP in the state.
“On examination, the polled EVM comprising of BU, CU, and VVPAT was found to be with its seal intact without any damage whatsoever. All the items have been deposited in the strong room,” the release said. The officials involved have been suspended, Election Commission sources have said, with repolling ordered at station 149. The Presiding Officer has been issued a show-cause notice for violation of the transport protocol.
The opposition has cited the incident to allege “EVM capturing” by the ruling BJP. The Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi, for instance, has said “this is the only way the BJP can win Assam”.
Assam went through the second phase of polling yesterday with a voter-turnout of 77 percent.