New Delhi: Smarting after the unexpected and surprise defeat in the assembly elections in Haryana, top leaders and spokespersons of the Indian National Congress today met with Election Commission officials and lodged an official complaint, alleging that Electronic Voting Machines had been hacked.
Claiming that proof of such hacking had been submitted to the poll panel, Congress spokesman Pawan Khera said this took place across 20 seats, and that they have submitted documentary evidence for seven seats. Papers and proof for the other 13 seats will be submitted within 48 hours, Khera added.
“We have requested that all the machines be sealed and secured till investigations are completed,” Mr Khera told reporters. The Congress has submitted evidence of hacking at Karnal, Dabwali, Rewari, Panipat City, Hodal, Kalka and Narnaul, Khera claimed.
“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 and the doctrine of the level-playing field as envisaged by the Constitution,” the Congress said in a written to the EC.
In response, the Election Commission dubbed the Congress’ claims that Haryana results were unacceptable as something that was “unheard of in the rich democratic heritage” of the country, far from a legitimate part of free speech.
In a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the Election Commission said such remarks by party leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera move towards “an undemocratic rejection of the will of the people” expressed in accordance with the statutory and regulatory electoral framework.
The Commission said it has also noted the statements of Mr Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, terming the Haryana results as “unexpected” and that the party proposes to analyse the same and approach the EC with its complaints.
The Commission said it has also noted the statements of Mr Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, terming the Haryana results as "unexpected" and that the party proposes to analyse the same and approach the EC with its complaints. (With inputs from PTI)