New Delhi, May 22: Ahead of the counting of votes, Congress president Rahul Gandhi issued an appeal to the party cadres, asking them to maintain strong vigil outside the EVM strongrooms for the next 24 hours. The Gandhi scion's message was aimed at lifting the party workers' morale, as he described the exit poll predictions as "fake".

In his message on Twitter, Gandhi stressed that the next 24 hours are "crucial" for the party's prospects. His appeal for strong vigil till the counting of votes comes amid allegations of "EVM swapping" levelled by the Opposition in north Indian states. Opposition Fears EVM Tampering in North India After 'Videos' Surface; SP, BSP, RJD Ask Cadres to Guard Strongrooms

"Next 24 hours are crucial. Be alert and vigilant. Do not be afraid. You are fighting for the truth. Fake exit polls and propaganda should not disappoint you. Keep faith in yourself, as well as the Congress party. Your efforts would not go waste," the Congress chief said.

Here's What Rahul Gandhi Tweeted:

Videos of alleged unescorted movement of EVMs emerged on social media, claiming that the voting machines were being moved without security personnel in Bihar's Maharajganj, Haryana's Sonepat and Uttar Pradesh's Domariyaganj, Jhansi and Chandauli constituencies.

The Election Commission, however, denied the foul play charge. An inquiry conducted by the polling body found most of the allegations to be "baseless", whereas, in some cases - the movement of voting machines recorded on camera involved "reserved EVMs", which were not used for the polls.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2019 01:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).