May 26th 2024.
In a recent incident in Odisha's Khurda district, a BJP candidate was arrested for causing damage to an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). According to officials, the candidate, Prasanta Jagadev, who is also the current MLA of Chilika, got into a dispute with the presiding officer at booth 114 in Bolagad block. The incident occurred on Saturday while Jagadev and his wife were waiting in line to cast their votes, as the EVM had malfunctioned.
After waiting for some time, Jagadev and the presiding officer engaged in a heated argument, during which the candidate allegedly pulled the EVM from the table, causing it to fall and break. As a result, Superintendent of Police Avinash Kumar stated that the MLA was arrested based on a complaint filed by the presiding officer. Subsequently, Jagadev was sent to judicial custody and is currently being held at the Khurda jail. He has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of People's Act.
The presiding officer's complaint stated that Jagadev not only caused damage to the EVM but also disrupted the voting process and verbally abused the polling personnel. In response, Kumar has requested the District Election Officer to review CCTV footage of the incident, and an investigation is currently underway. However, a BJP leader has claimed that the allegations against Jagadev are politically motivated, and that the presiding officer had misbehaved with other voters as well.
The ruling party in the state, BJD, has also filed a complaint against Jagadev with the chief electoral officer, demanding strict action against him. According to BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra, the MLA not only attacked the polling personnel but also tried to escape by hiding in the vehicle of Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi. The incident occurred on the same day when the state held polling for six Lok Sabha seats and 42 assembly constituencies.
It is unfortunate that such incidents occur during the election process, which is supposed to be a peaceful and democratic exercise. The authorities are currently investigating the matter, and it is essential that the truth be brought to light. Every citizen has the right to vote, and it is the responsibility of the candidates and officials to ensure that the process is conducted smoothly and without any disruptions. We hope that such incidents do not occur in the future, and the election process remains fair and transparent for all.
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