EVM Battery Level Controversy: Congress Questions Election Integrity In Haryana!

In a high-stakes meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI), a delegation of senior Congress leaders expressed concerns about irregularities in electronic voting machines (EVMs) used during the Haryana Assembly elections.

The meeting was held following the party's grievances about battery anomalies in certain EVMs, which, according to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, displayed unusually high battery levels long after polling had concluded.

Photo Credit: PTI

Congress Flags Battery Anomalies in EVMs

After the meeting, Khera outlined the party's concerns to the media, detailing that Congress had received over 20 complaints, with seven written complaints from specific constituencies. These complaints highlighted that some EVMs showed battery levels as high as 99% even days after the election process, which Congress found unusual. Others reportedly functioned with battery levels dropping to 60-70%, adding to suspicions of irregularities. "After so many days, how can the batteries remain nearly full at 99%? This is unnatural," Khera stated, questioning the integrity of the machines.

In addition to the primary grievances, Khera indicated that similar complaints had come from 13 other constituencies and promised to compile and submit more data to the ECI within 48 hours. He further stressed that such anomalies warranted thorough investigation, calling the 99% battery readings particularly "suspicious" and stating that they could not be explained as a normal occurrence.

A Delegation of Top Leaders Meets ECI Officials

The delegation, comprising top Congress leaders like former chief ministers Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Ashok Gehlot, as well as AICC leaders KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Ajay Maken, and Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, met with the Election Commission officials to discuss these alleged discrepancies. The group submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns about the potential impact of these anomalies on election results.

This high-profile team of Congress representatives underscored the importance of clarity and demanded prompt responses from the ECI to address these complaints. According to Khera, ECI officials assured the Congress delegation that they would examine the issues in detail. However, Khera emphasized that the party was seeking more than verbal assurances and expected concrete evidence to back the ECI's findings. "We need answers that are supported by evidence, not just words," he asserted, adding that such anomalies raise broader questions about the reliability of the electoral process.

Congress's Continued Push for Transparency

Congress's criticism of the ECI's handling of EVMs is a part of its larger push for transparency, especially after the Haryana election results. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, described the results as "unexpected" and voiced concerns that complaints from several constituencies required urgent attention. Following up on Gandhi's remarks, Khera reiterated that this matter was purely between the Opposition and the ECI, dismissing any political angle involving the BJP. "This is between the Opposition and the Election Commission of India," Khera clarified.

BJP's Response and ECI's Meeting Call

The meeting itself came after Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera made statements challenging the Haryana election results, calling them "unacceptable" and pointing to EVM irregularities. In response to Congress's statements, the ECI issued an official response agreeing to meet the party delegation to discuss their concerns in detail. In an official letter, the ECI acknowledged the Congress's request, stating that a 12-member delegation would be received at the Nirvachan Sadan headquarters.

The ECI has since clarified that it takes all allegations seriously and intends to follow up on Congress's complaints, ensuring that all concerns are addressed as per protocol.

A Long Road Ahead for Election Transparency?

As Congress presses forward with these complaints, the party's call for transparency and accountability in the electoral process has intensified. With a pivotal assembly election around the corner, Congress appears keen on ensuring that alleged EVM issues are scrutinized to maintain public trust. The ECI, meanwhile, has committed to reviewing the grievances but faces the challenge of providing evidence that can substantiate its explanations.

As this situation unfolds, the Congress-ECI dialogue may set precedents on how election grievances, particularly those surrounding EVM reliability, are handled in future elections.