APCC smells rat over storage of ‘Unused EVMs’ brought from other districts of Assam

Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) in an email writes to the Election Commission of India in order to draw their attention towards storage of ‘unused EVMs’ purportedly sent from different districts of the State of Assam in a place opposite/ adjacent to the Strong Room situated at Amingaoan under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Rural).

APCC in the email to the Election Commission of India (ECI) had also mentioned that at around 10.35 pm on April 28, 2019, APCC received a telephonic information that small trucks laden with so-called ‘unused EVMs’ are suddenly being brought to a private location, popularly referred to as Himatsingka Workshop situated opposite to the Office of Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Rural).

Local sources had informed the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee party sources 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 rely on storage of such sensitive areas in private premises devoid of security and other systems of checks & balances. In this case, why such an unfair practice adopted and under whose instructions?” questioned Diganta Chaudhury, General Secretary, APCC in the email.

APCC also claimed that several few other trucks laden ‘unused EVMs’ 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).

APCC also mentioned that the usual practice of dispatching faulty/unused EVMs 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.

Despite several complaints to the ECI and your good self, the poll body did not initiate any action to transfer the incumbent DC, Kamrup (R) who is a by-born resident of Sualkuchi within the same district this flouting all rules laid down for the said purpose, stated APCC in the email.

The party also alleged that the incumbent DC is known to be very close with MLA, Jalukbari and Cabinet Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the sole reason for not being transferred out of his home district.

In view of the facts & circumstances, APCC sought to institute and independent enquiry into the entire matter and identify the lapses and fix responsibility on those who are found guilty of lapses in the discharge of their duties & responsibilities. “We further request you to ensure that security & comfort of the existing Strong Room in not compromised,” said, Diganta Chaudhury, General Secretary, APCC in the email.