the goan I network
PANAJI
While the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday raised concerns about the security of EVMs and VVPATs in the strongrooms for the next month until they are taken up for counting on May 23, the ruling BJP appeared satisfied with their safety, and said there was nothing to worry about.
Speaking to “The Goan”, Congress chief spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar said that the party was “not at all” satisfied with security arrangements made by the Election Commission.
“According to reports on media and social media from other parts of the country, there is a huge lapse of security. It is very unfortunate. This shows the seriousness of the Election Commission while dealing with this election. The ECI needs to take immediate steps to ensure the security of the EVMs,” Kawthankar said.
AAP’s Pradeep Padgaonkar meanwhile raised concerns about how things would go for the next one month, if on the first day (Wednesday), there were doubts about the security of the EVMs while transporting them from the polling booths to the Strong Room.
“On the first day itself, there was a huge delay in getting the machines from Mandrem to the North Goa Altinho strongroom. Were the buses transporting these machines manned properly? If they can’t manage on Day 1, how can we be sure of the next 30 days?” Padgaonkar asked.
BJP spokesperson and former MLA Damu Naik told “The Goan” that the party was satisfied with the security arrangements and hoped that the government and Home Department ensures that the strongroom is safe.
“As of now, we’re happy with the arrangement, but the government should continue to monitor the security,” Naik said.
According to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kunal IAS, the security at the strongrooms would be 24x7 with the inner
