The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday — two days ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections counting day — clarified that all electronic voting machines (EVMs) are safe and sealed, after allegations from opposition parties that the machines were being moved in parts of Uttar Pradesh without security.

The allegations came after videos purported to show movement of EVMs within the state, and claims by Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of vehicle full of EVMs being caught were publicised on social media.

The allegations led to protests outside EVM storage rooms in Ghazipur, UP.

In Ghazipur, the SP-BSP joint candidate Afzal Ansari from the city was a part of the protest. He sat outside the storage room where EVMs are kept and claimed the machines were being transported out of the room in a vehicle.

Alleging EVM fraud allegedly at the behest of the ruling party, Mahagathbandhan candidate Afzal Ansari confronts local cops in Ghazipur. pic.twitter.com/H7lgDbFvbi

— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) May 20, 2019

The ECI clarified on four such incidents that have allegedly taken place in Ghazipur, Chandauli, Domariaganj, and Jhansi. Polling in these cities took place in the seventh phase on May 19.

In a statement the ECI said: "In fact, in all the cases, polled EVMS and VVPATs were sealed properly in front of the political parties' candidates in videography. CCTV cameras are installed. CAPF security is there. Candidates are allowed to have a 24×7 watch on the strongrooms by their representatives. The allegations are baseless."

Many opposition parties have discredited the polling process and cited irregularities in EVM machines after exit polls predicted a smooth victory for the BJP-led NDA alliance in the general elections.

After the ECI released its clarification, UP chief election commissioner also supported the statement and tweeted in favour of the statement.

Polled EVMs are safe in sealed strong rooms under security, CCTV coverage and surveillance of candidates. There is no possibility of changing EVMs. Don't panic and keep faith.@ECISVEEP #DeshKaMahaTyohar #LokSabhaElections2019

— CEO UP #DeshKaMahaTyohar (@ceoup) May 21, 2019

First Published:May 21, 2019 2:09 PM IST