EVM, VVPAT Commissioning Completed for Ghatshila Bypoll

Machines Secured in Strong Room; Police Step Up Vigil in Border Areas

Key Points:

• EVM and VVPAT commissioning completed in Ghatshila bypoll
• Mock poll confirms full match between VVPAT slips and EVM results
• Police inspect critical booths, border check posts ahead of polls

JAMSHEDPUR – Preparations for the Ghatshila Assembly by-election reached a key milestone with the completion of EVM and VVPAT commissioning under full security and transparency.

Commissioning of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems for the Ghatshila bypoll has been completed in the presence of contesting candidates and their representatives.
However, the process did not end there. Mock polling was conducted to cross-check the accuracy of results. The electronic vote count was successfully tallied with the VVPAT paper slips.

After the verification, all machines were sealed and kept in the strong room under strict surveillance. Election officials confirmed that security arrangements around the storage site have been intensified.

Meanwhile, senior police officers of East Singhbhum district carried out inspections across sensitive and remote areas like Mahishdhara, Basajhor, Sundardih, Behra, and Rautada. The visits aimed to ensure all facilities and security arrangements are in place before polling day.

On the other hand, on Saturday, officers also conducted surprise checks at inter-state border check posts under Ghatshila, Galudih, and Dhalbhumgarh police stations. They issued clear instructions to the personnel on duty to curb liquor smuggling, seize illegal cash, drugs, and firearms, and prevent any poll-related malpractices.

In addition, sources in the district administration stated that all election-related machinery, from logistics to security forces, is on high alert to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful by-election. A senior police officer said, “We are determined to ensure voters can cast their ballots without fear or pressure.”

The Ghatshila by-election, expected to witness multi-cornered competition, holds political significance in Jharkhand’s electoral landscape. The Election Commission is closely monitoring every step of the process to maintain transparency and fairness.