Concerns Raised Over Security of Election Materials in Assam

Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of Opposition in Assam, has raised significant concerns regarding security lapses in the strongrooms storing election materials for three constituencies. In a letter to the Election Observer, he pointed out violations of Election Commission guidelines, including inadequate locking mechanisms and lack of surveillance. Saikia's claims, supported by photographic evidence, highlight the potential risks to the integrity of the electoral process. He has called for immediate attention to these issues to ensure the security and credibility of the elections. This situation raises critical questions about the management of sensitive election materials and the adherence to established security protocols.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 18, 2026, 20:05 IST

Serious Security Concerns Highlighted

A file image of Congress leader, Debabrata Saikia. (Photo:X)

Guwahati, Apr 18: Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assam Assembly, has raised alarms regarding significant security issues at the strongroom housing election materials for the Demow, Sivasagar, and Nazira constituencies.

In a communication addressed to Election Observer T L Reddy, Saikia pointed out that the conditions in Rooms 12 and 15 of the Sivasagar Government Boys HS and MP School violate essential guidelines established by the Election Commission of India.

The elections for Assam's 126 Assembly constituencies took place on April 9, with the counting of votes set for May 4.

Saikia provided “photographic evidence” with his letter, asserting that the two doors of the rooms are secured by only a single padlock on one side, while the other door is simply closed from the inside.

He stated, “This physical condition is in direct and alarming violation of the Election Commission of India’s stringent directives aimed at preventing unauthorized access to sensitive election materials.”

Saikia emphasized that the lack of a double-lock system contravenes EC regulations, which mandate that “strongrooms should have a single entry point and a double lock system,” with separate keys held by both the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer.

“The existence of only a single lock renders these shared-key security protocols completely ineffective,” he added.

Additionally, the Congress leader criticized the “total breakdown” of required perimeter security and surveillance. He noted that the current arrangements breach EC rules that stipulate the “innermost perimeter must be guarded by CAPF and the outer perimeter by State Armed Police,” along with “at least one platoon of CAPF for round-the-clock security.”

Saikia also highlighted the “complete lack” of surveillance, which violates the directive that mandates the installation of “CCTV cameras with adequate storage capacity” to monitor sealed doors, corridors, and security zones.

“Moreover, I must express my strong objection to the press release issued by the District Administration, which dismissed my concerns and claimed that no official complaint had been received,” he stated.

He confirmed that a representation outlining these “serious lapses” had already been submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer and Chief Election Commissioner on April 14.

Saikia warned that maintaining rooms with a “simple lock and key” adjacent to polled EVM strongrooms “fundamentally undermines the entire inner security perimeter,” asserting that allowing unsecured rooms in the same corridor “completely nullifies this inner perimeter.”

He urged the observer to acknowledge the “documented lapses” to uphold the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.