Mock Poll video of Assam falsely claimed as BJP rigging EVMs
A video is widely circulated where two people can be seen using the EVM machine and casting the votes. While sharing the video it is alleged that two people in the video repeatedly cast votes for the BJP inside a polling booth. While sharing the video, users are claiming that this is how they’ll achieve 400+ votes.
Other users have also shared the video with similar claims which you can view here and here.
Fact Check
We investigated the viral video by using keywords in relation to the video. During the process, we found the media reports. According to the reports, the visuals are from Assam’s Karimganj Lok Sabha constituency, where the polling agent recorded his act of “mock polling”.
Furthermore, we checked the official page of the District Commissioner, Karimganj where a press release was posted dated 28 April 2024 concerning the video. In the statement, the office of the DEO suggested that the video had been recorded during a “mock poll” before voting officially began. However, the votes cast during this mock poll were cleared before the actual voting began. Additionally, as the agent violated ECI rules by carrying a mobile phone into the polling station, disciplinary action was taken against the presiding officer & the polling agent.
In another press release, the DEO (District Election Officer) confirmed that following complaints regarding the video, the matter was brought before the General Observer, and the polling team was summoned. According to it, the Presiding Officer of the polling station said the video was taken during a mock poll and the votes cast were cleared before actual polling began. Abdul Sahid, the polling agent, also confirmed this, the statement said.
Conclusion
Therefore, from the fact check it is evident that the visuals are not related to actual polling. It has no connection to the BJP. It was a mock poll and disciplinary action has been taken against the polling agent.
DFRAC Analysis: Misleading
