Can’t accept Haryana verdict: Cong alleges EVM tampering

Alleging tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs), the Congress on Tuesday said it “cannot accept the Haryana Assembly polls verdict”. After the BJP sprung a major surprise by overcoming anti-incumbency and clinching a hat-trick, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera said “democracy has been defeated in the state”.

Addressing a press conference here, both leaders said at least in three districts – Hisar, Mahendragarh and Panipat – strong evidence of EVM tempering could be found. “The results are totally unexpected and we would even say that they are unacceptable. There are continuous complaints from our candidates from three districts — Hisar, Mahendragarh and Panipat — about how some machines with batteries displaying charge of 99 per cent showed Congress candidates losing while machines with batteries displaying 60-70 per cent charge showed Congress candidates winning,” Khera said.

Ramesh, who had earlier in the day shot off a letter to the EC over “delay in updating of the Haryana results on the official website”, said they were compiling all complaints. They would make a dossier of the complaints and submit it to the EC on Wednesday, Ramesh said, adding, “The Haryana election is not a closed chapter yet.”

Earlier on Monday, Ramesh and party leader KC Venugopal issued separate statements, accusing the BJP of trying to “subvert” the results of the J&K poll. Interestingly, no such concern was raised about Haryana yesterday as the party was certain of securing a comprehensive victory.

The party, meanwhile, welcomed the verdict in favour of the Congress-National Conference alliance in J&K.