'VVPAT Machines' Found Abandoned in Karnataka: Yeddyurappa Alleges Foul Play, Writes to Election Commission
"This incident has exposed the hollowness of the claim of the election commission that assembly elections in Karnataka were held in a free and free manner," Yeddyurappa said.
Bengaluru, May 22: Ousted chief minister BS Yeddyurappa wrote to the Election Commission, seeking inquiry into the recovery of 'abandoned VVPAT machines' in Karnataka's Vijayapura district on Monday.
Yeddyurappa, in his letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat, said the incident brings to light the "grave irregularities" in the conduct of assembly elections in the state.
The Shikaripura legislator claimed his party had been complaining since the poll campaign began against State Election Commission (SEC) officials who were "hand-in-glove" with the then ruling Congress.
"This incident has exposed the hollowness of the claim of the election commission that assembly elections in Karnataka were held in a free and free manner," Yeddyurappa said.
Ahead of the elections, the SEC had received complaints from both the BJP and Congress, charging the polling officials of failing to act against candidates using money and muscle power in their constituencies.
The Commission, however, maintained that it has taken action in all cases where violation of election code was reported.
On the recovery of the eight VVPAT machines in Vijayapur, Chief Electoral Officer Sanjiv Kumar said they were not authorised by the Election Commission.
The recovered machines were fake, Kumar said, claiming they were not equipped with the six-digit electronic configuration number, used in all VVPAT machines authorised by the EC.
"VVPATS are electronically monitored and can be tracked with the six-digit bar code - one alphabet and five numerals. The VVPATS found in Vijaypur do not have the six-digit code," he told reporters.
The duplicate machines were manufactured by Gujarat-based company called Jyothi Plastics, Kumar said, adding that action would be taken against all those involved.
In the elections held on May 12, Karnataka's 222 of the 224 assembly segments were contested. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party, winning 104 seats -- eight-short of the majority mark.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2018 09:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).