New Delhi: Congress has raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in electronic voting machines (EVMs) used during the Haryana assembly election vote count. On Wednesday, senior Congress leaders called for a detailed probe into the matter. They said that several EVMs displayed unusual behaviour. They demanded that these machines be sealed and safeguarded until a thorough inquiry is completed.
A delegation of top party members, including former chief ministers Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Ashok Gehlot, as well as senior All India Congress Committee (AICC) officials KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Ajay Maken and Pawan Khera, along with Haryana Congress president Udai Bhan, met with senior Election Commission officials to voice their concerns. Senior leader Abhishek Singhvi also joined the meeting virtually.
Congress flags 7 formal complaints, 20 issues
The Congress delegation submitted a memorandum outlining specific complaints from various constituencies in Haryana. According to the party, there were at least 20 issues raised, including seven formal written complaints from different assembly constituencies.
The memorandum highlighted discrepancies in the EVMs, particularly noting that some machines operated at 99 per cent battery capacity, far above the typical 60 to 70 per cent range seen during the vote counting process. Congress leaders claimed that this unusual battery performance pointed to potential malfunctions or irregularities.
Calls for impartial probe
In their statement, Congress said that there is a need for an impartial investigation into the reported irregularities. They argued that maintaining the integrity of the electoral process is vital, and any discrepancies must be thoroughly examined to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability.
The party also said that the counting of votes should adhere to the highest standards of fairness and transparency, urging the Election Commission to take immediate action. They said that any electoral process aiming to uphold the principles of free and fair elections, as well as the concept of a level playing field, must be conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.
The Election Commission is yet to comment publicly on Congress’s demands, but the party’s push for action underscores the political tension surrounding the Haryana election results.
