Ambedkar: EVMs manipulated in LS bypolls

Mumbai: Bharipa Bahujan Mahas-angh (BBM) leader Prakash Ambedkar on Saturday alleged that electronic voting machines (EV-Ms) were manipulated in the state’s Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha bypolls that was conducted on May 28.

Madhukar Kukde, the NCP candidate defeated Hemant Patle of BJP in the bypoll by 48,097 votes, the result of which was declared on May 31. The bypoll was necessitated due to the resignation of sitting BJP MP Nana Patole.

Mr Amedkar said, “The polling percentage in the bypoll stood at 38.5 at 5pm, however at 6 pm, it rose up to 53.5. As per the Election Commission, a maximum of only 101 pe-ople can vote. However, here, 140 people were se-en to have voted.” He alleged that the EVMs were manipulated and asked the EC to conduct an investigation regarding the phenomenal rise.