Politics
EC Dismisses Congress' Claim That EVMs Used In Karnataka Elections Were Previously Used In South Africa
Image of a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine with an EVM, or electronic voting machine. (Photo Via PIB)
The Election Commission has rejected Congress' claim that EVMs used in Karnataka's Assembly elections were previously used in South Africa.
Dismissing the allegations as "rumours", the poll panel also asked Congress to "publicly expose" those sources that spread such false information.
In a letter to the EC on 8 May, the Congress had raised concern and sought clarification about the "re-use" of EVMs in the Karnataka election, that were previously used in South Africa, without undergoing the required revalidation and re-verification process.
The Election Commission in a letter to Congress' Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday (11 May) stated that it used new EVMs from Electronics Corporation of India Limited for the southern state's elections.
However, the EC asserted that neither the EVMs were sent to South Africa nor does that country use those machines.
Citing records, it said the Congress had specific knowledge that only newly ECIL-produced EVMs would be used in Karnataka.
The poll panel said that it has EC has confirmation of participation by INC representatives at each stage of EVM movement and commissioning in Karnataka elections.
However, ECI reportedly held back an immediate response in view of silence period and serious potential of spread of false information on poll eve.
EC has now asked Congress to ensure such sources of false information with serious potential of rumor-mongering are publicly exposed and brought to justice;
The poll panel has also sought confirmation of action taken by 5.00 pm on 15 May.
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