10k security-men to guard 20k EVMs; AAP also keeps vigil

Poll authorities have deployed 10,000 personnel, including from CISF to guard 20,000 EVMs in which the fate of 673 candidates, including the political destiny of Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and Ajay Maken are locked, even as reports say that AAP volunteers are keeping a vigil at the premises fearing tampering.

The workers of various political parties will only be allowed in in the counting halls Tuesday when the results for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be announced, an official of the Election Commission said. Delhi on Saturday saw a voter turnout of 67.14 per cent during polling in the 70 Assembly constituencies. 

Setting aside speculations of tampering the poll official said: “It is a three-tier security for the EVMs. The machines have been kept inside the strong roomsmade in nine districts.”  

“Each strong room is guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, armed police and the local police,” the official added.

The counting will begin at 8 am Tuesday and it will be video graphed. 

Apparently putting a question mark on the safety and security of EVM machines, AAP convener Kejriwal had tweeted: “Deployed volunteers to keep round the clock vigil on premises housing EVMs.” Now on Sunday morning another senior AAP leader Ashutosh tweeted: “I am sure EVMs are safe. Still AAP volunteers are keeping vigil around vicinity where they are kept. Double security is good for democracy”.