The ECI through its wide-ranging ‘activities and actions’ over the decades that have always kept in tune with the changing aspirations of the electorate, has evolved as one of the most respected public institutions in the country. However, the incident that occurred in Assam on Thursday where a polling party was found to be carrying an EVM after voting in a vehicle that belonged to the wife of a BJP candidate is an unprecedented instance and the resultant controversy is natural to erupt. Based on preliminary details shared by the ECI explaining the circumstances that led to the breach of official protocol, it appears it was an impromptu decision taken by the polling officials and to some extent there were certain compulsions triggered by a logistic snag. It was a major error and doesn’t fit with the Commission’s tall stature and the steps that have been taken should be welcomed. However, what is more important for the ECI is to make sure such follies are not repeated and it should take necessary measures to ensure all electioneering processes are 100% glitch-free.

Expectedly, the error hasn’t gone down well with the rank and file of the ECI as it has been so with the electorate of Assam. It took little time for the video that captured the episode to go viral and there is a perceptible sense of discontent among the people there in particular and the other states/UT where assembly polls are being conducted simultaneously as well, coupled with a suspicion-filled apprehension that there do exist ‘loopholes’ through which tampering of EVMs, if intended, is not impossible. The opposition parties have launched tirades questioning ECI’s neutrality and the incident has surfaced at a time when the ongoing assembly polls are still on. In the backdrop of the unprecedented development, the ECI despite clarifying that there was no "deliberate or mala fide intention aimed to disrupt the polling process" on part of the involved officials has been swift in suspending the presiding officer and three others of the polling station and as an ultimate measure has ordered a full re-poll in the booth. Both conventional media and the social media have made wide coverage of the incident and presented the story according to their respective viewpoint highlighting the ensuing stone-pelting phase by the mob present on the spot also. But very few have missed the other side which is the exemplary vigil and alertness of the common people that actually led to the ‘discovery’. Their anger is justified and mustn’t be equated with mere rowdyism.  

While it has been a case of laxity by the ECI, the incident has also shown how democracy is loved dearly by the nation’s people.