Two EVMs Found in Car at Solapur Eatery Sparks Political Row, Maharashtra State Election Commission Breaks Silence

Pune/Solapur:
A major controversy erupted in Maharashtra after two Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were reportedly found inside a car parked near a roadside eatery (dhaba) in Mohol town of Solapur district, shortly after voting for local body elections. The incident triggered allegations of possible tampering and raised serious concerns about transparency in the electoral process.

Following the uproar, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) issued an official clarification, stating that the machines recovered from the vehicle were reserve EVMs and were not used for voting.

Incident Occurred After District Council Voting

It is important to note that voting was conducted on Saturday for elections to 12 Zilla Parishads (District Councils) and 125 Panchayat Samitis across Maharashtra, including Solapur. The results are awaited, making the incident politically sensitive.

According to reports, the EVMs were discovered around midnight near Hotel Swarajya in Mohol. The car in which the machines were found was allegedly rented for an official deployed on election duty.

NCP Candidate Demanded Investigation

Soon after the discovery, political parties raised questions over how EVMs could be left in a private vehicle outside the designated security arrangements. An NCP candidate reportedly demanded a thorough probe, claiming that such negligence could create suspicion of manipulation.

The matter quickly escalated, with opposition voices calling it a serious breach of election protocol.

Election Commission Clarifies: Machines Were Reserve Devices

Responding to the controversy, an official from the State Election Commission stated that all EVMs used for recording votes had been deposited in the strong room by 10:30 pm on Saturday night.

The SEC confirmed that the machines found in the car were reserve (backup) EVMs, meant to be used only if needed during polling, and were not part of the machines deployed for actual voting.

Officials also stated that both EVMs were found in sealed condition, ruling out the possibility of tampering.

Officials Reached Spot After Alert

The Election Commission further said that after receiving the alert, the Returning Officer, local Tehsildar, and police personnel reached the location immediately. After conducting a preliminary investigation, they confirmed the machines were reserve units.

Strict Action Promised Against Responsible Persons

While clarifying the situation, the Maharashtra State Election Commission warned that strict action would be taken against those responsible for failing to deposit the reserve machines on time.

The commission emphasized that any negligence in handling election equipment would not be tolerated.

Political Tension Ahead of Results

The incident has added to political tension in Maharashtra ahead of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti election results. Though the SEC has dismissed tampering concerns, opposition parties continue to demand accountability and tighter monitoring of election logistics.