Palghar by-elections: Shiv Sena cries foul, blames EVM

With the BJP leading by a massive margin in the by-election for Palghar Lok Sabha seat, the Shiv Sena, which is trailing in second place, on Thursday, blamed the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM).

"Many EVMs were faulty, names of about 50-60,00 people were missing from voter list. Also, within 12 hours of voting ending, EC changed vote percentage. So all this is very doubtful," Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut told the media.

The BJP is leading in the crucial seat of Palghar in Maharashtra. BJP has fielded Gavit Rajendra Dhedya from Palaghar, while the Shiv Sena has fielded Shrinivas Chintaman Vanaga. While Congress has fielded senior leader Damodar Barku Shingada.

The bypoll to Maharashtra's Palghar and Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha seat is being seen as a litmus test for the next general election.

Palghar is a reserved seat, which was previously held by the BJP. The seat fell vacant after sitting BJP MP Chintaman Wanga died in January.