Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) R. S. Gopalan on Tuesday firmly rejected reports of irregularities at polling stations during the Nuapada Assembly by-election, stating that the allegations were “entirely based on rumours” and lacked any substantive evidence. Addressing the media, Gopalan clarified that the Election Commission had received only two complaints, neither of which indicated a confirmed violation.

The first complaint involved Booth No. 341, where a woman claimed impersonation, alleging that someone had cast a vote in her name. The CEO noted that it remained unverified whether she or another individual used her voter ID, as no objection was raised by her inside the polling booth during the voting process.

The second complaint pertained to Booth No. 250, following the circulation of a video suggesting malfunctioning of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Gopalan pointed out that the use of mobile phones inside polling booths is prohibited, raising doubts about the authenticity of the video. 

He further outlined the provisions of Section 49M, explaining that any voter suspecting incorrect vote recording must immediately report the issue, file a written complaint, and allow a test vote. No such procedure was followed in this instance.

Gopalan added that three authorised party agents were present at the booth and confirmed that the EVM was functioning properly. “All reports circulating on social media are unverified and misleading,” he asserted.

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