MHA alerts states on ''possible eruption of violence'' ahead of counting

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 22

On the eve of counting of votes for the general elections, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued advisory alerting state governments to be ready to counter “possible eruption of violence” and asked them to ensure that “law and order, peace and public tranquillity” is maintained.

In a statement, the MHA said, “The Ministry has alerted the state Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police regarding possibility of eruption of violence in different parts of the country in connection with the counting of votes tomorrow.” 

The MHA advisory has come in the backdrop of entire opposition raising doubts over impeccability of Electronic Voting machines (EVMs) and reports and video clips surfacing on social media about unauthorised transportation EVMs in several districts of Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country.

The Election Commission, however, has so far dismissed the allegations by claiming that all used machines in the elections “are safe and secure”.

“States/UTs have been further asked to take adequate measures for the security of strong rooms and venues of counting of votes,” the MHA said, adding that the directions have been issued “in the wake of calls given and statements made in various quarters for inciting violence and causing disruption on the day of counting of votes”.