The general observer will do a random checking of count of the polled EVMs and in the event of count if there occurs any discrepancy like what the counting personnel did and what the EVM showed will invite severe action said the returning officer of the Palamu lok Sabha seat K N Jha.
Jha asked the personnel to be extra alert and cautious. There would be mid way disengagement of counting personnel if found wanting in neutrality and transparency.
Further Palamu will go to 26 rounds of counting. This is because of larger number of booths in one of 6 assembly segments of this lS seat Daltonganj where the number of booths is 398 and this high number of booths has shot up the round of counting.
It may happen that counting in 5 assembly segments may be over but Daltonganj one will continue. There should not be any confusion at all if Daltonganj is counted for a much longer period of time he said.
The CRPF’s 134 battalion is on the job since April 10 the voters of Palamu polled here. Its Commandant 134 battalion Anil Minz said the CRPF is the eyes and ears of the Election Commission Of India and 134 battalion here is all out to have a peaceful counting.
Traffic on NH 75 will be diverted for a small distance said the SP Y S Ramesh. There would be shuttling buses for carrying counting personnel said KN Jha. There would be no roof top CRPF on civilian’s house reminded Minz.
As the counting centre is on NH 75 and right in front of the counting centre lives a large population having two storied buildings the roof tops of these buildings of the local residents were occupied by the CRPF in the past but this election none’s roof of any resident’s house will have any gun totting CRPF jawan.
The CRPF Commandant looked confident when he said our boysalong with the JAP, IRB and DAP would keep strict vigil. It was Anil Minz who prevailed upon the returning officer Jha to extend food facility to newsmen covering the counting to which Jha willingly agreed. ‘Minzalso asked for toning up drinking water facility on the premise.
The SP Palamu YS Ramesh looked too concerned for the post counting scenario and said there would be all security cover for victory procession.
A reporter told Jha that in bordering UP there is going to be no victory procession on may 16 Jha said quickly: “Here the ground reality does not ask for restricting any side celebration the victory but if the administration finds things getting ugly there are measures on the anvil hich will be enforced heavily”.