EVM Allegations Stir Up Political Storm in Odisha

Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer, R.S. Gopalan, refuted allegations made by the opposition BJD about illegal movement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The BJD claimed EVMs from Ganjam were covertly transferred to Nuapada before a by-election. Gopalan insists all EVMs are accounted for and rejects these claims as baseless.

In a dramatic turn of events, Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer R.S. Gopalan has categorically dismissed the BJD's allegations of covert EVM transport from Ganjam to Nuapada district ahead of an impending by-election.

Addressing a press conference, Gopalan clarified that thorough verification of CCTV footage from EVM warehouses revealed no such activity. He asserted that all EVMs intended for the Nuapada bypoll were sourced from the district's own securely monitored warehouses.

However, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty remained unconvinced, raising doubts about the reliability of CCTV operations in the region. Meanwhile, preparations for the election have seen heightened security measures and logistical planning, with over 2.53 lakh voters expected to cast their votes.

(With inputs from agencies.)