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Kerala Election Row: CEO Bans Opening of Any Rooms at Counting Centers

Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer has issued a directive prohibiting the opening of any rooms at vote-counting centers following disputes in Kozhikode and Palakkad. The controversy emerged after plans to open a material strong room at Victoria College in Nenmara, which officials stated was to retrieve Form 17A for data entry. The Opposition UDF has intensified its campaign, alleging that strong rooms were opened without due permission at a convention center in Kozhikode. With counting scheduled for May 4, the Election Commission faces the challenge of restoring trust while ensuring strict protocol adherence.

Key Points: Kerala CEO Orders No Opening of Rooms at Vote Counting Centers

  • CEO issues strict no-opening order
  • Controversy over rooms in Perambra & Nenmara
  • Collector clarifies intent was to access material room
  • Opposition UDF alleges procedural lapses
  • Counting of votes scheduled for May 4
2 min read

Strong room row brews in Kerala, CEO orders no opening of any rooms at counting centres

Kerala's CEO issues a strict directive amid controversy over opened strong rooms in Kozhikode and Palakkad, halting all access until counting day.

"no rooms at vote-counting centres be opened under any circumstances - Dr Rathan U. Kelkar"

Thiruvananthapuram Apri, l 21

Amid mounting controversy over the handling of election materials, Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer Dr Rathan U. Kelkar on Tuesday issued a strict directive that no rooms at vote-counting centres be opened under any circumstances.

The order extends to even beyond the completion of counting, with explicit instructions that unsealed rooms, too, must remain closed.

The move follows disputes reported from Perambra in Kozhikode and Nenmara in Palakkad, prompting the CEO to seek an explanation over the decision to open a material room in Nenmara.

The issue, which appeared to be settling in Kozhikode's Perambra, resurfaced in Palakkad after plans emerged to open a strong room at Victoria College, Nenmara.

The decision triggered sharp reactions, leading authorities to withdraw the move. District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty clarified that the proposal was to access the material strong room, not the EVM strong room.

She explained that the material room, housing election-related documents, is located adjacent to the EVM strong room and opening it was not irregular.

According to officials, the intent was to retrieve Form 17A to ensure accurate data entry on the Election Commission's website.

However, the process has now been halted, and any further action will depend on the CEO's directions.

The Collector added that such a room would only be opened in the presence of candidates and reiterated that the materials' strong room was not sealed.

Meanwhile, the Opposition UDF has intensified its campaign over the Kozhikode controversy.

It alleges that strong rooms storing voting machines at the JDT Islam Convention Centre in Vellimadukunnu were opened without due permission.

Though officials maintain that only a reserve room was accessed, the Opposition argues that procedural lapses have undermined confidence.

With the counting day approaching, the Election Commission faces the challenge of restoring trust while ensuring strict adherence to protocols governing the security of voting machines and related records.

Kerala went to the polls on April 9, and counting of votes will take place on May 4, when it will be known which political front will rule Kerala for the next five years.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
The explanation from the Collector makes sense. If it's just for Form 17A and not the EVM room, and done in front of candidates, what's the big issue? The process needs to be efficient too. But I guess better safe than sorry! 🤔
S
Suresh O
Typical political drama before counting. Both sides trying to create an atmosphere of doubt. The EC must stand firm. No exceptions to the rule. The trust in EVMs is already a national debate, we don't need more confusion in Kerala.
M
Meera T
As a citizen, this is worrying. Why are there so many "misunderstandings"? First Kozhikode, now Palakkad. The procedure should be crystal clear to every official. The CEO's directive is a good step to prevent any last-minute "errors".
D
David E
Observing from outside, the Indian election process is incredibly robust, but these controversies show the pressure it's under. The EC's challenge to restore trust is real. Hope the counting on May 4th is smooth and unquestionable.
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Anjali F
Respectfully, the CEO's order, while strict, feels like a reaction to bad press. The original intent to retrieve forms for data accuracy was administrative. Now everything is halted. Sometimes over-caution can delay necessary work. Just my two paise.

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