Himachal Elections: Congress workers stopped a polling party in Rampur area of ​​Shimla district on Saturday night for allegedly carrying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in a private vehicle.

Congress workers then staged a protest and also accused the polling party of EVM tampering, following which the District Election Commission officials immediately suspended the members of the polling party.

“EVMs were being transported in a private car. We followed it and also informed the police and election commission authorities,” Congress MLA Nand Lal said while speaking to the media.

As per the rules, after the voting process is over, the EVMs have to be taken by government vehicles to the counting center. Voting to elect the new government in Himachal Pradesh across 68 seats was held on Saturday.

No tampering found

District election commission authorities said that they received information after the completion of polling that polling party no.146 assigned to Duttnagar-49 was carrying EVM/VVPAT in their private vehicle bearing registration number HP-03D-2023, reports news agency ANI.

The police administration reached the spot as soon as the incident was reported, tried to pacify the protestors, and sent the EVM/VVPAT machines to the strong room.

Election commission authorities closely checked the EVM/VVPAT machines in the presence of Congress and BJP workers outside the strong room, and claimed the machines were Sealed properly and no tampering was found.

Used private vehicle in hurry

Officials claimed that the polling party used a private vehicle in haste to surrender the EVMs/VVPAT machines and be relieved of the responsibility.

“We found that the Polling Party No.146 was carrying the EVM/VVPAT machine in a private vehicle, which is a clear-cut violation of the instruction of ECI and prima facie found that the party has not followed the due procedures and violated the ECI instruction,” Returning officer (SDM) Surender Mohan said in an order.