Cyclone Fani: ECI approves shifting of polled EVMs in Gajapati, Jagatsinghpur

BHUBANESWAR: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday approved shifting of polled electronic voting machines (EVMs) in Gajapti and Jagatsinghpur districts to ensure their safety in view of severe cyclonic storm Fani, which is likely to make landfall near Puri on Friday afternoon.


The ECI also approved retrofitting and waterproofing of EVM strong rooms in 14 more districts based on the recommended of the chief electoral officer (CEO), Odisha.

Informing this here at a news conference, CEO Surendra Kumar said the entire process will be conducted in presence of candidates of the particular constituencies while the whole process will be videographed. He said safety of EVMs is top priority at the moment in view of the cyclonic storm.

“The polled EVMs of Mohana and Paralakhemundi assembly constituencies, which are stored in MR Boys high school, Paralakhemundi, will be shifted to the newly-constructed EVM godown near the collectors’ office. The polled EVMs of Balikuda-Ersama and Jagatsinghpur assembly constituencies stored at SBM college Jagatsinghpur will be shifted to the first-floor of the same building,” said Kumar.

The ECI has allowed shifting of polled EVMs in the two districts as there are chances that rainwater may enter into the strong rooms.

Retrofitting and waterproofing of EVM strong rooms of 55 assembly constituencies has been allowed by the ECI based on the reports of district collectors, said Kumar.

The CEO said collectors have been asked to request the candidates of various parties in writing about shifting, retrofitting or waterproofing of EVM strong rooms.

The CEO said that Model code of conduct has been lifted in 11 coastal and adjoining districts to expedite relief, rescue and restoration works.

On asked about election to Patkura assembly under Kendrapada Lok Sabha seat, the CEO said he has not received any communication from the ECI on it. BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday met ECI in New Delhi and asked to postpone the election scheduled on May 19 in view of the cyclonic storm.

Meanwhile, the state government has deputed 12 senior IAS officers in 12 likely to be affected districts for supervision of relief, rescue & restoration works in view of Cyclone Fani .

The health department has also cancelled all kinds of leaves of doctors and health staffs in Odisha up to May 15 in view of the cyclone. The department has asked those on leave to report back to their respective headquarters by Wednesday evening. The health department has asked all CDMOs to ensure the order.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik will take stock of preparedness in the evening.