shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > News > India News > Article > Praful Patel asks Why EVMs from Surat were used in Maharashtra bypoll

Praful Patel asks Why EVMs from Surat were used in Maharashtra bypoll

Updated on: 28 May,2018 04:58 PM IST  |  Mumbai
Mid-day online desk |

"EVMs were available in Maharashtra. What was the reason for bringing EVMs from Surat in Gujarat. We have expressed our doubts to the Election Commission," Patel told reporters in Gondia

Praful Patel asks Why EVMs from Surat were used in Maharashtra bypoll

Praful Patel
Praful Patel


Former Union minister Praful Patel claimed that almost 25 percent of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioned in the bypoll to Maharashtra's Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seat on Monday. He also sought to know why EVMs from Surat in Gujarat were used in the bypoll when similar machines were available in Maharashtra.


"EVMs were available in Maharashtra. What was the reason for bringing EVMs from Surat in Gujarat. We have expressed our doubts to the Election Commission," Patel told reporters in Gondia.


To say that EVMs malfunctioned due to excessive heat is shocking, the senior NCP leader said, and demanded re-polling soon in the booths where the voting machines failed.

"In developed countries like the US, Germany, France and Japan, the use of EVMs was stopped and they reverted to ballot papers," he said.

Patel, who lost from the Bhandara-Gondia constituency in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, said his party had raised the issue about the faulty EVMs with the Election Commission. He also pointed out that the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, which eject slips to confirm the voter's choice was not functioning.

"As and when re-polling takes place, will we be able to count every slip," he added. In Bhandara-Gondia, the BJP and the NCP have locked horns in the bypoll, being held after the resignation of BJP MP Nana Patole.

Patole, a leader of the powerful OBC Kunbi community, had switched side from the Congress to the BJP and was elected as an MP from the constituency in Vidarbha in 2014 by defeating Praful Patel.

The NCP, which has allied with the Congress, has fielded former BJP MLA Madhukar Kukde, against BJP's Hemant Patel, who belongs to the Powar community and is also a former legislator.

Also Read: Delhi High Court Asks Praful Patel To Step Aside As AIFF Chief

Edited by mid-day online desk, with inputs from PTI

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK