Tensions Flare in Central Nagpur Over EVM Incident After Maharashtra Polls
Nagpur, India: Nagpur witnessed high drama on Wednesday evening after a car transporting an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) to the strong room was attacked in the Mahal area. The incident unfolded following the conclusion of polling for the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The Central Nagpur Assembly constituency, already a point of concern for the administration throughout the day, became a hotspot for political tension when rumours of attempts to influence voting spread. The situation escalated when an election officer was spotted carrying an EVM at Zenda Chowk in Mahal.
This sighting triggered a confrontation between BJP and Congress workers. Despite efforts by BJP candidate Praveen Datke and Congress candidate Bunty Shelke to pacify their respective supporters, tensions ran high. The situation compelled senior police officials to intervene, and security was tightened.
According to the police, the polling officials for Central Nagpur had gone to a shop near Zenda Chowk around 7 PM to photocopy some documents. An officer was carrying an extra EVM when Congress workers noticed him and surrounded him, raising questions about the machine.
The officer clarified that the EVM was a spare unit and unrelated to those used at polling booths. However, as he attempted to leave, Congress workers allegedly began throwing stones at the government vehicle carrying the machine.
Kotwali police swiftly arrived to handle the escalating tensions, but rumours began circulating that the EVM had been damaged. The confrontation intensified as BJP and Congress workers came face-to-face at the scene.
Senior police officials, including DCP Zone 3 Mehak Swami and DCP Crime Rahul Maknikar, took charge and dispersed the agitated crowds. Both BJP and Congress candidates also tried to defuse the situation on-site.
Later, BJP workers gathered outside Kotwali Police Station, demanding action against Congress workers and their candidates.
Nagpur Commissioner of Police Ravinder Kumar Singal confirmed that the EVM was intact and had not been damaged. “The incident stemmed from confusion, but the police have brought the situation under control,” he stated. The election officer and the EVM were safely escorted to the strong room, where the machine was sealed.
Efforts to restore peace between the two parties are ongoing.
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