Yadav alleged that the instructions are particularly with regard to 47 seats which the BJP had won in the last state Assembly polls with a margin of less than 5,000 votes.

“Today, in Varanasi, where the EVMs were being taken, one truck with the machines was caught, while two other trucks fled. If the government is not indulging in stealing votes, then it should at least say why the administration has not made security arrangements (for the EVMs)," he said.

“The force meant for the UP polls has not left the state yet. What are the reasons that the EVMs were being transported without any security?” the SP chief asked.

He also said EVMs were kept in strongrooms and without informing the respective candidates, the machines cannot be moved or shifted from one place to another.

“In Bareilly, three sealed boxes (with EVMs) were found in a vehicle of the municipal corporation carrying garbage (registration number UP25DT9166). Plain ballot papers and things used for sealing (EVMs) were also found. A similar incident was also reported from Sonbhadra. What justification will the government give?” Yadav asked.

(With inputs from agencies)