Municipal Byelections: Cong rues lack of transparency during first level check of EVMs

A delegation of the Delhi Congress on Saturday joined the first level checking (FLC) of electronic voting machines (EVMs) at the Delhi State Election Commission office, while simultaneously registering a protest over the alleged denial of crucial information regarding the machines set to be used in the upcoming municipal bypolls.

The FLC was conducted in preparation for the byelections to 12 municipal wards. However, the Congress delegation, acting on the direction of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Devender Yadav, claimed that the Election Commission did not provide basic details such as number of machines, their serial numbers, make and manufacturing company despite repeated written requests.

According to Congress leaders, the party had sent letters to the Deputy Secretary of the Delhi State Election Commission on May 5 and again on May 9, seeking complete information about the M2 type EVMs to be used in the byelections. However, no response was received, prompting the delegation to raise objections during the FLC process.

The Congress team included booth management committee chairman Rajesh Garg, Babarpur district in-charge Dr PK Mishra and New Delhi Lok Sabha Observer and Legal and Human Rights Department chairman advocate Sunil Kumar.

“We participated in the FLC, but also protested against the Election Commission’s refusal to share fundamental details. Transparency is the cornerstone of free and fair elections, and withholding such information raises serious concerns,” said Advocate Sunil Kumar.

The Delhi Congress has demanded an explanation from the State Election Commission on why the requested information was not shared and has reiterated its call for full transparency in the handling of EVMs during the elections.

Delhi