New Delhi, May 22: Central Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu has made serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab regarding the use of ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in local body elections.
While addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Bittu stated that the state government deliberately did not procure EVMs from the Election Commission due to fear of losing the elections. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in this context. He mentioned, “We have been saying this, but if any political party raises this issue, it gets twisted.”
Bittu pointed out that the PIL questioned why elections were being conducted using ballot papers instead of EVMs. The judges inquired about this matter from the Election Commission. The Commission responded that EVMs could be delivered within two days, yet the state government avoided addressing the issue. The State Election Commission had requested EVMs back in January, with orders confirmed in February. Bharat Electronics was ready to supply, and reminders were sent in March and April. However, trucks were not dispatched to bring the machines. This delay was intentional, as the ruling party feared losing the elections. Ultimately, the elections were conducted using ballot papers.
Bittu asserted, “The Punjab government is afraid, which is why they are using ballot papers instead of EVMs in local body elections. They have been avoiding EVMs for a long time, indicating that the Aam Aadmi Party is losing and resorting to ballot papers to win unfairly.”
He concluded by stating that this tactic will not yield any results. The public is frustrated with the Aam Aadmi Party, and they will be ousted in the local body elections.
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