Amaravati, Oct 27 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday questioned the Congress for criticising Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) after electoral defeats, pointing out that the machines were introduced under a Congress government.
Addressing a joint press conference with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and BJP Andhra Pradesh president PVN Madhav, the Chief Minister questioned why EVMs were considered reliable earlier but are now being criticised following electoral defeats.
“The electronic voting machine was initiated by the Congress government. At that time, the electronic machines were very good. Now, when you are losing elections, you attack the machine. How can you justify this,” Naidu asked.
He said political parties and the INDIA alliance opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls should reflect before making allegations, noting that booth-level agents (BLAs) from all parties were invited to participate in the enumeration process, with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) coordinating throughout.
Naidu questioned why objections were not raised during the process and criticised YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for changing his stand on SIR, describing it as a “convenience game”.
He asserted that elections should be about earning people’s trust rather than questioning machines after electoral defeats.
Recalling instances of widespread booth rigging in villages during earlier elections, when CCTV cameras were absent, and some booths recorded near-total support for a single candidate or party, he said the presence of CCTV cameras today offered greater oversight.
Naidu dismissed the opposition’s allegations as unsustainable and termed questioning the electoral process after losing elections as incorrect. PTI MS STH ADB
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