Published Apr 20, 2026 | 5:35 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 20, 2026 | 5:35 PM
A strong room in Wayanad where EVMs are kept. (File photo)
Synopsis: The Congress-led UDF in Kerala alleged that a strong room in Kozhikode was opened under suspicious circumstances and has sought an inquiry. Perambra UDF candidate Fathima Tahilia said the room was opened before her representative arrived, but election authorities said the strong room with EVMs was never opened and only an unsealed room was accessed in the presence of agents.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala has alleged that a strong room—where electronic voting machines (EVMs) are stored—in Kozhikode was opened under suspicious circumstances. Alleging a breach of election protocol, it has demanded an inquiry.
The incident took place at JDT College in Vellimadukunnu on the morning of Monday, 20 April.
Perambra UDF candidate Fathima Tahilia said the returning officer informed her by phone at around 8 am on Monday and asked her to be present by 9 am. She said that by the time her representative reached the venue at 11 am, the room had already been opened.
“It was said that such rooms cannot be opened without proper notice and the presence of candidates or their agents. That protocol was not followed,” Tahilia said.
Election authorities denied the allegations. The Perambra Returning Officer said the strong room containing EVMs and postal ballots was never opened.
Officials said only an unsealed room storing polling documents was accessed, and in the presence of candidates’ agents. They also said the room was opened solely to update election-related data in the Encore software system and insisted all procedures were followed.
District Congress Committee (DCC) president K Praveen Kumar alleged a “security breach”, warned of possible sabotage, and demanded stricter central security at the premises. He said even adjacent rooms should be sealed to prevent tampering.
UDF leaders also accused state government officials and the Kerala Police of entering restricted zones meant to be secured by central forces and called for action against those responsible.
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