NEW DELHI: Several letters in the name of Election Commission were doing round on the social media on Sunday.
One of the letters mentioned that the poll panel has decided to shut down internet services on December 18 in view of counting of votes of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections, scheduled to take place tomorrow.
As per letters, the decision has been taken to avoid any possibility of EVM rigging.
However, after the posts went viral, the Rajkot collector Dr Vikrant Pandey clarified that the letter is fake and refuted rumours of internet services being closed on the day of counting.
Pandey has also suggested the people remain calm and not pay heed to such messages.
Gujarat CEO BB Swain too issued a clarification, saying, "We have not issued any such order."
The fake messages were issued in the name of deputy election commissioner of the State Election Commission.
Another fake letter, reportedly signed by a deputy election commissioner, reads, "This is to inform you that hacking of EVMs is on the rise. It has come to our notice that EVMs have microchips which can be accessed from some devices."
Meanwhile, the much-awaited results of the keenly fought elections will be announced on Monday when the counting of votes will be held at 37 centres across the state's 33 districts, amidst tight security.
While the BJP is seeking a sixth straight term in office, the Congress is aiming to stage a comeback in power after being in the opposition for over two decades.
The results are expected to have a bearing on the 2019 parliamentary polls also as Modi had come to power in 2014, based on Gujarat 'model of development'.
Modi led the campaign for the BJP, while Rahul Gandhi was the pivot of the Congress' electioneering.
During the campaign, Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah trained guns on the Congress on issues like Ram Temple, alleged Pakistani interference in the Gujarat polls and (suspended Congress leader) Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks.
An average 68.41% polling was recorded in the two-phase Assembly elections in Gujarat.
Out of the total 33 districts, 15 recorded over 70% polling, while 17 others clocked between 60% and 70%. Only Devbhumi Dwarka district registered polling below 60%, as per PTI reports.
