Congress Raises Concerns Over Strongroom Security in Assam Elections
Congress moves poll observer over security lapses in strongroom in Assam
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Congress candidate Debabrata Saikia has approached the election observer regarding alleged security lapses in strongrooms storing election materials in Sivasagar district, Assam. He claims that the Election Commission of India’s protocols were not followed, including the absence of security personnel and inadequate locking mechanisms.
- 01Debabrata Saikia has raised concerns about security lapses in strongrooms for election materials in Sivasagar, Assam.
- 02He alleges that the Election Commission of India’s double-lock system was not implemented properly.
- 03Saikia claims there was no visible security presence at the strongroom during his visit.
- 04The district administration has denied these allegations, stating that strongrooms are under surveillance and properly secured.
- 05Saikia's initial complaints were dismissed by the district election officer.
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Debabrata Saikia, a Congress candidate in Assam, has formally raised concerns with election observer TLR Reddy regarding alleged security lapses in strongrooms at Sivasagar Government Boys’ HS & MP School. He claims that the Election Commission of India (ECI) protocols were not adhered to, particularly the requirement for a double-lock system, which he asserts was violated as two doors were secured by a single padlock. Saikia also noted the absence of security personnel and surveillance, stating that this situation directly contravenes ECI directives designed to protect sensitive election materials. In response, the district election officer (DEO) dismissed Saikia's claims, asserting that the strongrooms were sealed in the presence of election officials and are under 24/7 CCTV surveillance. The DEO emphasized that no complaints had been received regarding the security measures in place. Saikia's objections were previously rejected by the DEO, who maintained that the materials stored in adjacent rooms were outside the ECI's strongroom guidelines and thus secured with simple locks. The situation raises significant questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Assam.
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The allegations of security lapses could undermine public trust in the electoral process in Assam, impacting voter confidence.
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