Haryana polls: Congress flags EVM battery 'discrepancies' in memo to Election Commission

The Congress on Friday raised new complaints with the Election Commission regarding issues with electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the vote counting for the Haryana Assembly elections. Congress candidates from 20 assembly constituencies submitted written complaints to the Election Commission, alleging discrepancies in EVMs, specifically noting that the batteries in some EVMs were charged at 99 percent during the counting process on October 8.

According to the complaints, some EVMs used for counting were operating at 99% battery capacity, while others were at 60-70%. This follows Congress’ unexpected defeat in the Haryana Assembly elections, where the party did not secure a majority despite ten years of BJP rule in the state.

The Congress called the election results "unexpected" and pointed to discrepancies in the EVMs in several seats. AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh posted on X, saying, “In furtherance of the issues raised and the representation submitted to the Election Commission of India on 9th October, we have now submitted an updated memo highlighting serious and glaring irregularities in the election process in 20 assembly constituencies in Haryana."



Ramesh expressed hope that the Election Commission would take notice and issue appropriate directives. The party’s memorandum to the Election Commission requested urgent action on the complaints and emphasized the need for a detailed inquiry to be completed promptly.

The Congress had initially met with Election Commission officials on Wednesday to file seven written complaints and indicated that more detailed complaints would follow from other candidates. The memorandum addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner highlighted issues with the EVMs and their battery capacity during the vote counting on October 5.

The complaints stem from various assembly constituencies, including Narnaul, Karnal, Dabwali, Rewari, Hodal (SC), Kalka, Panipat City, Indri, Badkhal, Faridabad NIT, Nalwa, Rania, Pataudi (SC), Palwal, Ballabhgarh, Barwala, Uchana Kalan, Gharaunda, Kosli, and Badshahpur. Among the complainants is Pradesh Congress President Udai Bhan, whose concerns include seats lost by narrow margins.