The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha on Monday dismissed allegations made by a political party accusing the Nuapada District Collector of illegally transporting a truckload of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from Ganjam for the upcoming by-election.

The CEO described the claims as “baseless and insidious,” stating that such unfounded allegations erode public confidence in the electoral process.

In a press release, the CEO’s office urged the people of Odisha not to believe in unverified reports or rumours regarding election procedures.

The statement clarified that a political party had alleged that a truck carrying EVMs was illegally brought from Ganjam to Nuapada on November 9, a report that was also aired by a news channel without verifying it with the CEO’s office.

The CEO’s office outlined the stringent Election Commission of India (ECI) protocols for the storage and security of EVMs and VVPATs, emphasizing that it is “simply not possible” for any unauthorized person to move or manipulate EVMs as alleged.

According to the release, all EVMs and VVPATs in Odisha are stored in district-level warehouses under double lock and key, guarded round the clock by police and monitored through 24×7 CCTV surveillance. Logbook entries are maintained for every movement.

The Ganjam EVM warehouse, the CEO confirmed, had not been opened during the current month, and even the routine monthly inspection was yet to be carried out. CCTV footage from Ganjam verified that no trucks had entered or exited the warehouse recently.

For the 71-Nuapada Assembly Constituency, which has 358 polling stations, a total of 720 sets of EVMs (Balloting Units, Control Units, and VVPATs) — amounting to 200% of the required number — were requisitioned for First Level Checking.

All these machines were sourced from the existing stock within Nuapada district, the CEO’s office clarified. No EVMs were brought in from, or sent out to, any other district during the entire by-election period. [Also Read - EVM is banned in these countries: What is the reason and controversy?]

The CEO’s statement added that the political party which raised the allegation was asked to provide evidence, such as the truck’s registration number or its location, but no such proof was submitted.

The release further explained that all EVMs and VVPATs are maintained in the Returning Officer’s (RO) strong room under strict custody of the RO, police, and Central Armed Police Forces, with CCTV surveillance and double-lock security.

The machines are handed over to Presiding Officers in the presence of contesting candidates or their representatives, under videography at the dispersal centre on Monday.

Each EVM is sealed with paper seals carrying unique serial numbers, which are shared with all candidates. Polling agents have the right to verify these serial numbers before polling begins, and again during vote counting, ensuring transparency at every stage. [Read - Can EVM be hacked? This is what the Chief Election Commissioner says about Elon Musk's allegations]

“Every step of the election process—from storage to polling and counting—is conducted in the presence of political party representatives, with full transparency and documentation,” the CEO’s office said.

By election to Nuapada Assembly seat will be held on Tuesday .