Congress Alleges EVM Hacking Haryana elections

Congress Alleges EVM Hacking in Haryana Elections, Files Complaint to Election Commission

The Congress party has raised concerns about potential discrepancies in the counting of votes during the Haryana assembly elections, particularly with the functioning of certain Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). These claims have led to allegations that some EVMs favored the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates, prompting the Congress to lodge an official complaint with the Election Commission (EC).

Congress Points to EVM Battery Discrepancies

One of the key issues raised by Congress was the unusually high battery capacity of some EVMs used in the elections. Congress leaders alleged that while most EVMs showed a battery level of 60-70%, certain machines, particularly those favoring BJP candidates, were functioning at 99% battery capacity. The party has pointed out that this discrepancy could indicate tampering or malfunctioning, thus raising doubts about the fairness of the electoral process.

Congress has claimed that at least 20 such complaints were received, with seven of these complaints being submitted in writing from multiple assembly constituencies. The party has urged the EC to investigate these anomalies, stating that they may have affected the election results.

Congress Urges EC for Probe into EVM Hacking

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, speaking on behalf of Congress, expressed concerns over the election results. He highlighted that during the counting of postal ballots, Congress was initially leading, but the trend reversed when the EVM counting began. Hooda said, “There are doubts about vote counting as Haryana results are surprising. Everyone believed that the Congress would form the next government, but once EVM counting started, the outcome seemed to shift in favor of BJP.”

A high-level delegation of Congress leaders, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Ashok Gehlot, K C Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Ajay Maken, and Pawan Khera, met with top Election Commission officials to file their complaint. The delegation submitted a detailed memorandum outlining their concerns, along with specific complaints from different constituencies.

Memorandum to Election Commission Highlights EVM Discrepancies

The Congress delegation emphasized the need for a transparent investigation into the alleged malfunctioning of EVMs. Senior party leader Abhishek Singhvi, who joined the meeting online, assured that more complaints would be submitted in the coming days. Hooda stated, “The Election Commission has assured us of looking into the matter.”

Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan echoed the same sentiment, stating that the EC must clear any doubts surrounding the counting process. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera added that party leaders Maken and Singhvi have requested the EC to ensure that the disputed EVMs be sealed and secured until the investigation is complete.

Congress Demands Sealing of EVMs Until Probe Is Completed

In their complaint, Congress noted that the discrepancies could have significant implications on the election outcomes in several constituencies. The party demanded that all EVMs involved in these complaints be sealed immediately and not tampered with until the inquiry is concluded. Khera explained, “We apprised the Election Commission about 20 complaints, including seven written complaints from seven constituencies, with some EVM machines functioning at 99 per cent battery capacity. We have urged that these machines be sealed and secured.”

He further added that Congress would be submitting additional complaints to the EC within 48 hours as they were still compiling the data. The Election Commission, in response, has assured Congress that it will consult the respective returning officers in each constituency and provide a written reply.

Congress Appeals for Fair Vote Counting Process

In its memorandum, Congress emphasized that a fair and transparent vote-counting process is the foundation of any electoral process that adheres to democratic principles. The party stated, “Counting of votes in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner is the hallmark of any electoral process that claims to be in consonance with the principles of free and fair elections.”

The Congress urged the EC to take immediate action and initiate a probe into the matter. They also suggested that based on the findings of the investigation, the EC should issue appropriate directions regarding the final results of the Haryana polls. The party believes that this issue could potentially alter the election results in certain constituencies, making an impartial investigation crucial.

Conclusion

The Congress party’s allegations of EVM hacking in the Haryana elections have brought the integrity of the election process into question. With multiple complaints submitted and more expected, the party has called on the Election Commission to ensure a thorough investigation. As Congress awaits the EC’s response, the demand for transparency in vote counting continues to be a focal point in their pursuit of electoral justice.