Congress submits complaints to EC alleging hacking of EVMs in Haryana

Alleging that EVMs have been “hacked” in Haryana to help the BJP win the elections, the Congress on Wednesday told the Election Commission that EVMs having batteries with 99 per cent charge were found to have favoured the BJP candidates while EVMs with batteries showing 60 to 70 per cent charge, which is normal after a day’s use, registered more votes polled in favour of the Congress candidates compared to their BJP rivals.

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A Congress party delegation comprising former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, HPCC chief Uday Bhan and central leaders Ajay Maken, Jairam Ramesh, Ashok Gehlot, Pawan Khera and others met the EC here on Wednesday and asked the officials to probe the matter and keep the machines with batteries showing 99 per cent charge in safe custody till the probe is completed.

Rajya Sabha member and Congress party’s legal cell chief Abhishek Manu Singhvi also joined the meeting through video-conferencing.

The EC officials assured the Congress delegation of looking into the matter, Khera said briefing the media outside the EC office.

Uday Bhan said the machines must have been “hacked” since it was not possible for a battery to retain 99 per cent charge after the machine being under use for a considerable period of time.

Khera said they complained to the EC about malpractices taking place in 20 constituencies. Written complaints backed by evidence were given by the candidates from seven seats, Khera said, adding that these seats are Karnal, Dabwali, Panipat city, Hodal, Kalka, Narnaul and Rewari.  

More such complaints would be submitted to the EC in the next 48 hours, Hooda said.