Mayawati alleges tampering with EVM machines, gets support from SP, Congress

Decimated in the UP polls, the BSP on Saturday alleged tampering of EVMs, prompting the Samajwadi Party and the Congress to demand a probe, but the Election Commission said there was “no merit” in the charge.

BSP chief Mayawati alleged that the EVMs were tampered with in such a way that whichever button was pressed, the vote went to BJP.

“The results in UP and Uttarakhand are surprising and not palatable to anyone...it seems EVMs did not accept votes polled for any party other than BJP,” she said.

“It is a matter of common discussion here that even if a button is pressed for any other party, vote will be polled in favour of BJP,” Mayawati said at a press conference in Lucknow as the poll results showed that her party had performed badly.

She wanted the Election Commission to withhold the results and hold fresh polls using traditional paper ballots.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, while commenting on Mayawati’s allegation, said, “If questions have been raised by a political party on EVMs, the government should probe it.”

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Election Commission should seriously look into the charges.

Also Read: BJP secures landslide victory in UP, U’Khand, Congress sweeps Punjab; fractured mandate in Goa and Manipur

“A senior leader of an opposition party, Mayawati ji has raised serious and pertinent questions about the integrity of the entire democratic process as also the EVMs used in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

“Whether her doubts are founded or unfounded, it is a matter to be addressed by EC in order to erase all doubts about the integrity, honesty and impartiality of the electoral process which is intrinsic to uphold the democratic traditions of our country,” he said in Delhi.

He added that, “We are certain that the EC will look at any objections and clarify any doubt in public domain as raised by Mayawati ji.”

The EC, however, said, “The prescribed administrative process has been fully complied with in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand elections in the presence of representatives of political parties and candidates.

“The Commission has, therefore, not found any merit in your allegations and the prayers made in your letter under reply are not legally tenable.”