MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s Chief Electoral Officer, S Chockalingam has warned of strict legal action against individuals spreading allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering during the recent state elections. This response follows claims by opposition parties, particularly the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), regarding voting irregularities, including unexplained voter turnout spikes in constituencies like Karad South and anomalies in the Nanded by-election.
Controversies and Counterclaims
In the Nanded by-election, the Congress party’s Lok Sabha victory juxtaposed its loss in six assembly segments within the same constituency, raising questions about voter behavior. Similarly, Karad South saw an unexpected rise of over 40,000 votes within six months, further fueling doubts. Opposition leaders have called for an investigation, citing potential discrepancies in electoral processes.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde refuted the allegations, accusing the opposition of misleading voters and questioning the validity of their selective claims. Shinde emphasized that robust administrative safeguards ensure EVM integrity, with no connectivity to external networks that could compromise results. The returning officer for Mumbai North West affirmed these safeguards, dismissing reports of tampering as baseless.
Legal and Administrative Actions
Amid these allegations, an incident involving unauthorized mobile phone use at a Goregaon counting center resulted in legal proceedings against an individual linked to the ruling party. Election officials reiterated that such incidents, though concerning, do not compromise the credibility of the EVMs or the electoral process.
As the political discourse intensifies, the Election Commission’s firm stance underscores the importance of maintaining public confidence in India’s democratic system while addressing opposition concerns through transparent investigations.
Source: Web Team, C6N
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