Chennai: As the Election Commission of India eased the model code of conduct (MCC) in Tamil Nadu, bringing an end to vehicle checks by flying squads, the security personnel tightened sharply elsewhere — inside strong rooms where electronic voting machines (EVMs) were sealed and guarded for the counting day.
ECI Moves Voting Machines to Counting Centres
The ECI moved 1,60,418 ballot units, 75,064 control units, and an equal number of VVPATs used for the April 23 polling to the control rooms at respective counting centres of the assembly constituencies. These were stored in the presence of contesting candidates (or their representatives) and central observers, in adherence to ECI's prescribed storage and security protocols. The entire process was videographed.
Multi-Tier Security Deployed
Two-tier armed security of paramilitary personnel has been deployed at the strong rooms, while the state police form the third tier of the arrangement. The centres are under complete surveillance with round-the-clock CCTV coverage, ECI officials said. Candidates have been told to depute their representatives to monitor security arrangements from outside the inner perimeter. They can also access the central monitoring centre in each counting centre to watch the CCTV displays, according to chief electoral officer Archana Patnaik.
Opening of Strong Rooms on Counting Day
The strong rooms will be opened on counting day, May 4, in the presence of candidates, their representatives and ECI-appointed central observers. "Live feeds from the CCTV cameras are being provided to representatives of political parties at a designated viewing area on the college premises," said Coimbatore district collector-cum-district election officer Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, after inspecting and sealing the strong rooms on Friday.
Relaxation of Model Code of Conduct
The EC relaxed MCC, relieving 2,106 flying squads and an equal number of static surveillance teams from carrying out vehicle checks. This provides a breather for merchants and the general public, as there were previously restrictions on carrying cash and valuables above 50,000 rupees without valid documents. This relaxation is expected to ease movement of goods and reduce inconvenience for citizens.
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