Babaria received info on Cong loss in 14 seats before counting: Udai Bhan

State Congress president Udai Bhan today claimed that Haryana incharge Deepak Babaria had received a message on the morning of October 8, before the start of counting, about EVM manipulations on 14 seats.

The WhatsApp message of October 8 morning, which Bhan shared, alleged EVM manipulations in Kalka, Gharaunda, Assandh, Rai, Kharkhauda, Safidon, Uchana Kalan, Badhra, Dadri, Mahendragarh, Hodal, Badkhal, Gohana and Narwana.

Bhan told the media that Babaria was not well and shared the message the next day on October 9. It was also claimed in the message that the BJP would get 46 to 49 seats while the Congress would be reduced to 36 to 38 seats. The BJP in the end got 48 seats and the Congress 37.

“Had he (Babaria) alerted us on time, we could have exposed the tampering of EVMs,” he said. He claimed that the message accurately listed the specific seats the Congress would lose.

The Congress filed a complaint with the Election Commission but expressed doubt about any action, alleging that the commission was working under the government’s influence.

“The Congress will now approach the high court and file a petition soon,” said Bhan.

He emphasised that there was widespread support for INDIA coalition in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. “However, if the coalition fails to form governments there, it would further indicate potential EVM tampering,” he added.

'If tigers, monkeys and elephants can be counted, why not OBCs?'

Congress OBC wing chief Ajay Yadav held a press conference on Wednesday and claimed that wrong ticket distribution, and the BJP playing up Jat-non-Jat and Hindu-Muslim divisions had resulted in Congress' defeat. “I can specifically tell you about wrong ticket distribution in Ballabhgarh and Ambala Cantonment…BCs should have got more tickets. Kashyap community didn't get any tickets. Selja factor also played a negative role. She remained away from electioneering for 10 days,” he said. He also said the party would launch a campaign for caste census on November 26 from Delhi. “If tigers, monkeys and elephants can be counted, why not OBCs?” he asked.