Voting is over now in all four constituencies of Bokaro district and safety of the electronic voting machines kept inside strongrooms are in focus.
The BJP, the AJSU and the Congress workers, including some supporters of Independent candidates, have been camping round the clock outside the premises of the Krishi Bazar Samiti premises to guard the EVMs.
This while workers from other political parties and supporters of independent candidates have only been making rounds to the spot.
In Bokaro, EVM and VVPAT machines of Bokaro, Gomia, Bermo and Chandankiyari have been deposited at the Bazar Samiti Hall at Chas. The administration has deployed a large number of security personnel, including Paramilitary, Jharkhand Armed Police to guard these machines.
Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Amar Bauri, who visited the location today; he inspected the hall and took an account of the safety and situations.
“We have full faith in the forces and the state government but still, we are making rounds outside the strongroom just to keep a vigil from our side too,” said Bauri. “The forces may be guarding the strong rooms but still nothing is free from the control of the state. So our supporters are there to keep a check on every activity,” said Sanjay Kumar, a supporter of congress candidate.
“Every time we have kept a close watch, five to six party workers sit outside the strong room to keep a vigil,” added Gagender a supporter of Janta Party Candidate.
A multi-tier security arrangement and 24 X 7 surveillance by CRPF, JAP and district police are in place, party workers are camping in makeshift tents at the venue where EVMs from four assembly segments of Bokaro district — Bokaro, Gomia, Bermo and Chandankiyari — have been kept. EVMs from all polling booths (of all four constituencies) have been kept at Strongroom at Bazar Samiti premises after voting. Counting will take place on 23 December, informed DPRO.
The inner security cover to strongrooms and counting centers was being provided by paramilitary forces. CCTV cameras have also been installed for e-surveillance round the clock, he said.