Attempt to Set EVM on Fire at Madha Polling Station Thwarted

In a startling incident during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, a voter attempted to set an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ablaze at a polling station in Sangola tehsil, Solapur district. The event unfolded on Tuesday, amidst the voting process for the Madha Lok Sabha constituency, drawing immediate attention from election officials and security personnel.

The attempt to damage the EVM occurred at the Badalwadi polling station, specifically at booth number 86. Despite the voter's efforts, no significant harm was inflicted upon the ballot unit, VVPAT unit, and control unit of the EVM. The district authorities confirmed that all components remained intact and functional, ensuring the continuity of the polling process without any need for repolling at the station.

Solapur District Collector Kumar Ashirwad provided details on the swift action taken by poll officials. To eliminate any potential doubts regarding the integrity of the voting process, a replacement EVM was promptly installed, allowing voting to proceed smoothly. The individual responsible for the attempted arson was detained by police for further investigation.

Further insights revealed that the votes already cast in the affected EVM were secure and would be counted as normal, negating any requirement for a re-vote at the concerned location. The police disclosed that the assailant had brought a flammable substance into the polling station in an attempt to ignite the EVM but was quickly subdued by security forces present on site.

Initial reports suggest that the individual involved in this incident supports the Maratha quota movement. This act of vandalism comes amidst a critical phase of polling in Maharashtra, where 11 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats went to vote in the third phase on Tuesday. Among these, the Madha constituency is witnessing a keen contest between BJP's incumbent MP Ranjit Naik-Nimbalkar and Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil from NCP Sharadchandra Pawar.

The incident has raised concerns over security measures at polling stations and underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness to handle unforeseen disruptions during elections. With prompt action by election officials and law enforcement agencies, the potential crisis was averted, ensuring the democratic process remained unhampered.