Ambedkar alleges EVM manipulation in Bhandara-Gondiya bypoll

Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader Prakash Ambedkar Saturday alleged that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were manipulated in the May 28 Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha bypolls in Maharashtra.

NCP candidate Madhukar Kukde had defeated Hemant Patle of the 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.

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Ambedkar said the polling percentage (in the Bhandara-Gondiya bypoll) stood at 38.5 at 5pm, however, at 6pm, it rose up to 53.5.

"According to the Election Commission, a maximum of only 101 people can vote. However, here, 140 people were seen to have voted. How is this possible?" he asked.

"This happened because EVMs were possibly manipulated. The EC should conduct an investigation in the phenomenal rise in polling percentage," Ambedkar said.

When asked about an alliance with the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections, Ambedkar said, "We are told that the Congress has not been given a green signal to hold talks with us by the party high command."