MCD polls 2017: AAP approaches Delhi HC seeking use of VVPAT machines with EVMs

The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday approached the Delhi high court seeking to use VVPAT machines attached to use EVMs in upcoming MCD polls.

The party has been demanding for VVPATs and urged the election commission to conduct the MCD polls through ballot papers.

Last week, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had  pitched that the municipal polls be “postponed” by a month or two till arrangements are made to use VVPAT-equipped EVMs.

Kejriwal had met the Delhi State Election Commissioner and alleged that “redundant” pre-2006 electronic voting machines (EVMs) that were “junked” and can be “hacked even by a child” are going to be used in the April 23 municipal polls.

“He (SEC) said he will write to the Chief Election Commissioner. But there is one week left for the polls. So there’s no possibility of replacing the machines or bring VVPAT machines. So I told him to postpone it by 1-2 months by writing to the CEC,” Kejriwal had told reporters.

The SEC had rejected the proposal saying there was no provision to postpone the elections. Kejriwal insisted, under the DMC (Delhi Municipal Corporation) Act, the Centre has the power to extend the tenure of the civic bodies by one year.

Read Also: EVMs can be 'hacked by even child': Kejriwal to Delhi State Election Commissioner

VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box but the voter cannot take it home. (With PTI Inputs)