TN Assembly polls | MNM wants additional protection in counting centres
Malfunctioning of CCTVs and the motion of containers close to counting centres raises suspicion, Kamal Haasan contended
Raising doubts over sure alleged actions close to robust rooms, the place Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) containing votes polled in the Assembly elections are being saved forward of counting on May 2, Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan on Tuesday requested for additional protection on the counting centres.
Speaking to reporters on the Secretariat premises in Chennai after submitting a petition in this regard on the workplace of the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Haasan mentioned robust rooms must be true to their names. The repeated malfunctioning of CCTVs in the counting centres, the “mysterious” motion of containers close to the counting centres, the unannounced set up of Wi-fi services close to the robust rooms and the motion of unauthorised individuals with laptops close to the robust rooms, amongst others, raised suspicions among the many minds of the folks and candidates, Mr. Haasan claimed.
“The rules [for protection of safety of EVMs] have to be followed strictly. The voters should have the confidence of the Commission in this regard. As it is, 30% of the voters did not vote. These incidents would raise doubts among the people and it poses the danger of people losing trust. It poses a danger to democracy,” the actor-turned-politician mentioned.
Mr. Haasan mentioned his celebration was receiving a number of complaints of different natures, and claimed that motion of automobiles close to the counting centres throughout unearthly hours and unannounced development exercise close to them, solely added to the doubts of the folks.
Referring to an incident in Chennai in which EVMs have been taken on a scooter by unauthorised individuals, he mentioned: “We cannot say that EVMs are sanctimonious. They have been in unauthorised possession.”