The Congress party, following a review meeting prompted by its less-than-expected results in the recent Haryana Assembly elections, has taken a significant step by establishing a dedicated technical team to probe alleged inconsistencies in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This move underscores the party’s serious concerns regarding the integrity of the election process.
The decision to form this investigative team was made after a thorough review meeting convened by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, where senior party leaders deliberated on the reasons behind the Congress’s performance in the 90-member Assembly, where they secured only 37 seats.
The Congress has previously voiced concerns about discrepancies found in some EVMs during the vote counting process. In particular, the party has highlighted discrepancies related to battery capacity in various EVMs. They have asserted that some EVMs were found operating at an unusually high battery capacity of 99%, while others were operating at the standard 60-70% capacity.
To emphasize their concerns, a high-level Congress delegation met with officials from the Election Commission on Wednesday, submitting 20 complaints regarding the election process, including specific issues with EVMs and delays in vote counting. These complaints also included seven written reports from various assembly constituencies, further solidifying the party’s suspicions.
After the meeting with the Election Commission, Congress leader Pawan Khera stated that the Commission has assured them that they will investigate these allegations and will provide a response after consulting with returning officers from each constituency. The creation of this technical team by the Congress signifies a determined effort to understand the reported discrepancies and ensure the integrity of the election process. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by political observers and the public alike.
