Chennai, July 30:
The inspection of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the Kolathur Assembly constituency is underway for the second consecutive day at the EVM warehouse in Chintadripet, in the presence of candidates’ representatives.
The verification follows a petition submitted to the Election Commission after the 2026 Assembly elections, in which former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin contested from Kolathur. A request was made to examine EVMs used across 14 polling stations.
Accordingly, the inspection process began yesterday and is being carried out over seven days, with two machines checked daily between 10 AM and 7 PM. So far, machines from select polling booths, including numbers 001, 004, 017, and 028, are being examined.
During the election, a total of 1,84,051 votes were recorded in Kolathur. M.K. Stalin secured 74,202 votes, while rival candidate V.S. Babu won with 82,997 votes, a margin of 8,795 votes.
Speaking to reporters, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Samiran stated that the verification is being conducted as per Election Commission guidelines and Supreme Court directions to ensure complete transparency. He confirmed that the machines tested so far have shown 100% accuracy, with no discrepancies found.
Officials said representatives from various political parties have signed off on the verification process, confirming satisfaction with the results. Around 25 officials, along with police personnel, are involved in ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of the inspection, which will continue for the next five days.