Varanasi: After a sensational charge of the Samajwadi Party regarding moving out of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from Varanasi counting centers , the officer concerned admitted that it was a ‘protocol lapse’ on the part of officers concerned.

SP tweeted moving away of EVMs and tweeted the on-camera statement on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after SP charges, Varanasi's Commissioner Deepak Agarwal appeared to accept that there was a lapse in the protocol in the movement of EVMs. However, he insisted that the vote machines in question were only for training purposes.

"If you talk about the protocol for the movement of EVMs, there was a lapse in the protocol, I accept that. But I can guarantee you, it is impossible to take away machines used in voting," Mr Agarwal said, explaining that there were CCTV cameras, security guards and political party representatives at counting centres.

We've adequate security measures in place at EVM strong room. The strong room will be opened around 7 am in the presence of election observers &candidates; Counting will begin at 8 am tomorrow. Police patrolling will be done in sensitive areas: DK Thakur, Police Commissioner, Lucknow told ANI.

"There is information of violations in EVMs from various districts. On whose order is this happening? Are officials under pressure from the Chief Minister's (Yogi Adityanath) Office? The Election Commission must clarify," the Samajwadi Party wrote, tagging the poll body.