The war of words between Arvind Kejriwal and the Election Commission over electronic voting machines (EVMs) escalated on Monday as the AAP leader alleged that the machines used in Uttar Pradesh polls would be deployed in Bhind bypoll, a charge dubbed as “baseless” by the EC.
Addressing a press conference, the Delhi Chief Minister alleged “widespread tampering” of EVMs and claimed that VVPAT machines from Uttar Pradesh were being brought to conduct the Rajouri Garden Assembly bypoll in Delhi.
“This goes against the norm that EVMs used in one election cannot be used in another for at least 45 days,” he said.
Mr. Kejriwal also claimed that in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind bypoll, the EC was deploying the same EVMs that were used in Uttar Pradesh.
Triggering controversy
At Bhind, VVPAT-enabled EVMs were found printing the BJP’s poll symbol irrespective of the button pressed during a trial (training exercise for poll officials), which the Opposition parties had latched on to.
The Commission said no EVMs used in U.P. elections were moved for the Madhya Pradesh bypolls and termed “baseless” Mr. Kejriwal’s allegations. On Sunday, the Commission said that instead of blaming the EVMs, the AAP should introspect on the reasons for its defeat in Punjab. The EC said the EVMs were kept in a strong room after results were announced till the 45-day period of filing of election petition by any of the candidates was over.
“The VVPAT machines are not required by the law to be retained in strong room for the purpose of election petition and are available for use in any other election,” the EC said in a statement.
