Nuapada Bypoll 2025: Odisha CEO Refutes EVM Transfer Allegations, Cites CCTV Proof
Bhubaneswar— Chief Electoral Officer RS Gopalan has firmly dismissed allegations by the BJD that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were covertly moved from Ganjam to Nuapada ahead of the upcoming bypoll.
At a press briefing in Bhubaneswar, Gopalan confirmed receiving the complaint but labeled the claims as unfounded. He cited CCTV footage from Ganjam’s EVM warehouses showing no unauthorized movement and assured that all machines deployed in Nuapada were sourced locally and remain under strict surveillance.
🔒 Key Clarifications from the CEO:
- Each district maintains its own secure EVM warehouse.
- Even training EVMs are properly logged and documented.
- Accusations against the Nuapada Collector were denied.
Gopalan urged voters to trust the electoral process and disregard misleading reports.
🗣️ BJD Responds: Party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty reiterated concerns, alleging that EVMs were earmarked for 32 booths and questioning the reliability of CCTV systems—citing past failures in Berhampur and Puri. He also criticized local officials, including the Collector, SP, and IGP, for allegedly favoring the BJP, though he expressed faith in the CEO’s integrity.
🚁 Security & Logistics Update: Nuapada DEO Madusudan Dash and SP Amritpal Singh confirmed full preparedness across 358 polling stations, including 47 in Left Wing Extremism-affected zones. CRPF Commandant Erick Gilbert Jose reported aerial deployment of polling teams via helicopters to ensure safe access.
🗳️ Election Snapshot:
- Polling Date: November 11
- Voters: Over 2.53 lakh
- Candidates: 14 in the fray
The EVM controversy continues to stir political tension as Nuapada heads into a closely watched bypoll.
