AMN /
Election Commission has sent two teams to Madhya Pradesh, following complaints from opposition parties on malfunctioning of EVMs. Congress and Aam Admi Party had met the Election Commission officials, alleging the EVMs have voted for a particular party during demonstration.
Ater and Bandhavgarh in the state are going to polls on April 9 and counting will take place on the 14th. Election Commission sources said, a team of three officials headed by Chief Electoral Officer of Andhra Pradesh Bhanwar Lal will be stationed in these constituencies to ensure free polls. Besides, sources said, two technical teams will also be stationed there to address any technical concerns about EVMs.
The Election Commission of India has ALSO sought a detailed report from Bhind’s District Election Officer after seeing the video of a demonstration organised by state election officials for journalists ahead of by-elections in the state’s two assembly seats. It has also sent a high-level team to the state to investigate.
Earlier, a Congress delegation met the Commission and expressed serious concern over the reported tampering of EVMs. The delegation comprising senior Congress leaders Mohan Prakash, Digvijay Singh and Jytoradiya Scindia also submitted a memorandum to the Commission.
The delegation demanded to reverify the authenticity of all voting machines being deployed during these elections which must be done transparently in the presence of authorised representatives of political parties or candidates. They also demanded replacing state Chief Electoral Officer and Collector of Bhind.
Later, taking to reporters, Mr Prakash said, in view of doubts over the credibility of EVMs, the elections should be held through ballot papers.
Mr Digvijay Singh asked, when the election process in other countries is based on ballot papers, why it is not being adopted in India.