A tense standoff occurred at Baselios College in Kottayam district, Kerala, on Thursday evening over a Central Observer's attempt to alter the established locking protocols for the electronic voting machines (EVMs) strongroom. Ranjit Kumar Sinha, appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), directed that the keys to the strongroom locks be sealed and left attached, contrary to Kerala's procedure which requires dual custody of keys held by the Returning Officer (RO) and Assistant Returning Officer (ARO). This directive led to objections from local police and election officials, resulting in a confrontation where CISF personnel allegedly pointed weapons at officials. The situation was resolved after consultations, reverting to the original protocol, and the strongroom was secured with additional reinforcements. The counting for the Vaikom constituency is scheduled for May 4.