Opposition alleges massive EVM tampering in Kairana, Noorpur bypolls
What's the story
Polling today was marred in Kairana and Noorpur (UP) as many voting machines registered technical flaws, a candidate alleged.
Tabassum Hasan, who is contesting in Kairana from RLD, wrote a letter to the EC, alleging there were "continuous complaints" of EVMs and VVPAT machines not working.
SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary blamed BJP, saying it wants to "avenge their defeat anyhow" in Gorakhpur and Phoolpur.
Bypolls
Why were the bypolls necessitated?
The Kairana seat fell vacant following the death of sitting BJP MP Hukum Singh.
Hasan, who is supported by the Congress, SP and BSP, is being contested by BJP's Mriganka Singh, daughter of Hukum.
Meanwhile, the Noorpur bypoll was necessitated due to the death of BJP MLA Lokendra Singh Chauhan.
In Noorpur, BJP has fielded Avani Singh, wife of Lokendra, against SP's fielded Naeemul Hasan.
Twitter Post
Akhilesh Yadav tweets letter
शामली, कैराना, गंगोह, नकुड, थानाभवन और नूरपुर के लगभग 175 पोलिंग बूथों से EVM-VVPAT मशीन के ख़राब होने की शिकायत तुरंत सुनी जाए. pic.twitter.com/PKeofl6VX6
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) May 28, 2018
EC
SP and RLD file official complaints with the EC
Hours after polling began, SP and RLD leaders alleged malfunctioning EMVs. "We (RLD and SP) are going to meet the CEO to lodge a formal complaint in this regard," said RLD Spokesman Anil Dubey.
Blaming the EC of being hand-in-glove with BJP, Chaudhary demanded extension of voting hours or cancellation of polls.
They have filed a complaint and will submit a petition to the EC.
Quote
'This is a conspiracy against Muslims'
Tabassum Hasan called it a 'conspiracy' to prevent Muslims from voting, alleging EVMs were malfunctioning in only booths having large number of Muslims, like at booth numbers 270-275. "We had asked fasting Muslims to...cast their vote early. Most had queued up since 6am but had to return."
VVPAT
VVPAT in all elections since May'17
Similar complaints emerged from Maharashtra's the Bhandara-Gondiya constituency. Voting was temporarily suspended across 35 booths.
Since the BJP came to power in 2014, such complaints have been reported in almost every election, with opposition parties claiming EVMs can be rigged.
Following much controversy, the EC declared last May that all elections hereon will be conducted through VVPAT.