Vallalar Nagar residents protest EVM strong room at community centre

Vellore: Residents of Vallalar Nagar (Phase-3), located near the Office of the Collectorate, staged a protest on Thursday against the decision to convert their government community centre into a strong room for storing electronic voting machines (EVMs) ahead of the 2027 local body elections.

The community centre, built over three decades ago, has long served as a vital resource for families below the poverty line (BPL) in the area. It has been a cost-effective venue for private family functions, free medical camps, blood donation drives, and even Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations.

Residents expressed concerns that the facility’s central location within the residential colony made it easily accessible and indispensable for community events. “The community centre also serves as a platform for organising welfare association meetings to discuss civic issues,” said G. Mohan, a local resident.

Corporation officials, however, clarified that the decision to use the centre as a strong room was made after a thorough field verification process to ensure the safety of the EVMs. The proposal was approved by the District Collector and subsequently cleared by the Election Commission (EC).

According to R. Lakshmanan, Commissioner of Vellore Corporation, residents were informed about the plan during field visits, and no objections were raised at the time. He added that the EVMs would remain at the facility only until the elections are conducted. In the interim, residents were advised to use an adjacent community centre for their needs.

On Thursday, election officials and civic staff began storing over 20 large steel boxes, each containing at least 50 EVMs, at the centre. Security measures, including CCTV cameras at the Collectorate's control room and a duty police constable, have been put in place to safeguard the machines.

Despite these assurances, residents voiced frustration over the lack of a viable alternative facility for hosting their events. Spread across more than 2,000 square feet, the community centre includes a hall with a capacity of 60 people, water taps, lighting, washrooms, diesel generators, and a parking area—all available for a nominal fee.

The protest highlights ongoing tensions between civic needs and election preparations, as residents call for a solution that does not compromise their access to essential community infrastructure.