Maharashtra Polls: Sachin Dodke Demands VVPAT Count During EVM Verification Process

The verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Khadakwasla, Pune, was halted after objections from NCP SP candidate Sachin Dodke. Dodke, who lost to BJP's Bhimrao Tapkir in November 2024, sought a review of EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) from two centres. He insisted on counting VVPAT slips during the process.

Election Officer Yashwant Mane explained that Dodke requested verification of the burnt memory of EVM microcontrollers. "As per his application, the Election Commission of India allowed the verification. Accordingly, today the EVMs from two centres as requested were taken out for burnt memory and EVM verification in his presence," Mane stated.

Verification Process and Objections

Mane detailed that after verifying EVMs and burnt memory, a mock poll was to follow. This would involve erasing existing data on the EVM in Dodke's presence. However, Dodke opposed erasing the data and refused to allow the mock poll. Consequently, the process was considered complete without further steps.

Dodke expressed dissatisfaction with only being shown final results on the EVM. "Our demand is that the VVPAT slips should be counted. We objected to the process, halted it, and submitted an application seeking counting of VVPAT slips. If they EC do not agree to this, we will not proceed and will fight the matter in court," he said.

Clarification on VVPAT Counting

Mane clarified that random counting of VVPAT slips had already occurred during vote counting. "So there is no question of counting the VVPAT slips again. Today's process was restricted to the checking and verification of the burnt memory and EVMs, which includes showing that the machine was not tampered with and displaying the final result to the candidate," he explained.

The second step, involving a mock poll and VVPAT slip counting, could not proceed due to Dodke's refusal. The situation remains unresolved as Dodke plans to pursue legal action if his demands are unmet.

With inputs from PTI