Assam Opposition Leader Alleges Security Gaps in Post-Poll Strongroom Arrangements
Opposition raises concerns over Assam strongroom security after polls
Assam's Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia has alleged serious security lapses in strongrooms storing post-poll election materials following the April 9, 2026, single-phase assembly elections, prompting a formal complaint to Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel. In a letter, Saikia highlighted violations of Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines at the Sibsagar Government HS & MP School, where materials from constituencies including his own Nazira seat are kept. These claims come amid Assam's record 85.96% voter turnout among 2.51 crore electors, raising fears over the electoral process's integrity ahead of results.
Saikia detailed multiple breaches during his inspection, noting that out of several access points, only one door was padlocked—and even that lacked proper sealing. He claimed many doors were merely shut from inside or secured with simple latches, easily opened with minimal effort, while the mandatory double-lock system was largely absent. One door holding Nazira constituency papers could be nudged open with slight external pressure, he added, sharing video evidence of officials acknowledging the issues.
The Congress leader further criticized inadequate security deployment, stating no dedicated sentry post existed near the storage area. CRPF personnel reportedly clarified their duties did not extend to guarding these rooms, exposing what Saikia called a "serious lapse" in arrangements. He warned that such vulnerabilities risk tampering with critical materials like statutory forms and sealed packets, undermining the poll's sanctity.
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Assam's 2026 elections cover all 126 assembly seats in one phase, with the BJP-led alliance defending its majority from 2021 when it won 60 seats against Congress's 29. Saikia, contesting Nazira, demanded an urgent inquiry, strict ECI compliance, enhanced security, and action against errant officials. These allegations echo past controversies over strongroom access in states like Maharashtra, where opposition parties sought CCTV footage and seals verification.
The ECI has yet to respond publicly, but protocols mandate 24/7 CCTV surveillance, double-locking, and round-the-clock armed guards for strongrooms until counting concludes. Saikia's move intensifies scrutiny on Assam's poll management under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's administration.If substantiated, these lapses could trigger legal challenges or re-polls in affected segments, testing Assam's democratic robustness.
Also Read: Tarun Gogoi and the 2001 Verdict: How Congress Ended AGP's Grip on Assam
