Active Stocks
Thu Apr 18 2024 13:55:29
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 162.05 1.25%
  1. Power Grid Corporation Of India share price
  2. 279.80 1.99%
  1. Infosys share price
  2. 1,427.10 0.87%
  1. NTPC share price
  2. 355.45 -1.06%
  1. Wipro share price
  2. 446.90 -0.38%
Business News/ Politics / Policy/  UP election results: Congress supports Mayawati’s demand for probe into EVMs
BackBack

UP election results: Congress supports Mayawati’s demand for probe into EVMs

Congress backed BSP leader Mayawati's demand for a probe into EVMs used in Uttar Pradesh elections and asked the Election Commission to look into her charges

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

New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday supported Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati’s demand for a probe into Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and asked the Election Commission (EC) to seriously look into her charges.

“A senior leader of an opposition party, Mayawatiji 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," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

ALSO READ | UP election results: Mayawati seeks fresh election using paper ballots

He added that, “We are certain that the EC will look at any objections and clarify any doubt in public domain as raised by Mayawatiji." Surjewala said the Congress has with an open heart congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and the BJP for their resounding victory in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

BSP chief Mayawati, whose party received a major drubbing in the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, alleged that EVMs were tampered with in such a way that whichever button was pressed, the vote went to the BJP.

ALSO READ | UP election results 2017: Is it end of the road for Mayawati?

Terming the results as “shocking", she said the EC should stop the counting and withhold results and hold fresh polls using traditional paper ballots. She dared Modi and Shah to ask the poll panel to hold fresh elections in the state “if they have an iota of morality and honesty left in them".

Mayawati said this trend will have a “very bad bearing" on democracy in the country and will amount to crushing it. “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 button is pressed for any other party, vote will be polled in favour of BJP," Mayawati said.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Catch all the Politics News and Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
More Less
Published: 11 Mar 2017, 09:38 PM IST
Next Story footLogo
Recommended For You
Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App