EVM scandal in Madhya Pradesh: VVPAT receipt shows vote going to BJP irrespective of button pressed

Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: Controversy erupted in Madhya Pradesh on Friday during a demo of the Electronic Voting Machine in Bhind, where Assembly byelection is scheduled next week.

The voters would receive VVPAT slip, which would be an acknowledgment receipt--the party they voted for, in the election.

However, during the demonstration, the receipt showed vote going to BJP irrespective of button pressed.

This startled the officials. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Madhya Pradesh, Saleena Singh was seen telling journalists, apparently in jest, that this news should not appear in the newspapers, else they would be detained at the police station.

The officer pressed the button number 4, but the slip that came out was of number 2 (BJP). As everyone around started laughing. The administrative officials who were present were shocked as journalists had been specially called to witness the use of VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) during elections.

The demo was organised ahead of the upcoming Assembly byelections in Madhya Pradesh. The polls are to be held at Ater in Bhind and Bandhavgarh assembly constituencies in the State.

A video clip of the incident went viral later in the evening. Political parties have raised a hue and cry over the issue. Congress leaders said that they would approach EC authorities in this regard. Already, Opposition parties are questioning the fairness of EVM and suspect that it can be hacked.