Prem Kumar Dhumal, Himachal Chief Minister has expressed surprise over the frivolous, baseless and self concocted statement of Virbhadra Singh, President, HP Congress Committee, appearing in a section of the press today expressing unwarranted concern over the safety of EVM machines thereby questioning the integrity of the Election Commission of India. It appears that Shri Virbhadra Singh is not aware of the factual position and the press note issued to the media in his absence might not be in his knowledge. Chief Minister said that he holds high respect and confidence in the constitutional authorities and never questioned their integrity. This entire process is being looked after by the Election Commission of India and elaborate security arrangements have been made by providing CCTV and deployment of para military forces to guard the strong rooms. BJP have full faith in the Election Commission security arrangements and State Government has also provided security cover as per the demand of the Election Commission to ensure fullproof security of the EVM strong rooms round the clock. It is surprising that on the one hand Shri Virbhadra Singh is satisfied with security arrangements and on the other raising fingures about the same. In such conditions how anyone could fiddle with the EVM machines when such an elaborate security arrangement existed to guard the strong rooms. It appears that Shri Virbhadra Singh, apprehending defeat in the husting is making such baseless statements. Shri Virbhadra Singh had earlier also put question mark on the functioning of the Election Commission of India in 1998 and 2007. Shri Virbhadra Singh should remember that earlier also counting of votes in the State had almost taken some time during last assembly elections in the State.
Chief Minister said that Congress Party had demanded early polls in the State and now raising fingers on the decision of the Election Commission. The BJP had never questioned the decisions of the Election Commission to hold election in November in Himachal Pradesh as it is its wisdom keeping in view all facts. UPA is heading Government at the Centre and Shri Virbhadra Singh should approach the Election Commission of India to get the counting done, which BJP shall also welcome. Chief Minister also taken strong notice of Shri Virbhadra Singh’s statement criticizing him and Ministers for using of official vehicles and inaugurating of fairs etc. in the State. He said that all such activities were being carried out with the prior permission of the Election Commission of India since BJP never used such platforms for fulfillment of political ambitions and had always adhered to Model Code of Conduct.