SP Submits Memorandum To EC Regarding Missing Trucks Carrying EVMs In Varanasi

The Samajwadi Party and its allies on Tuesday alleged that two trucks carrying EVMs have gone missing after the seventh and last phase of the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh concluded on March 7.

Electronic Voting Machines | Getty Images

New Delhi: The Samajwadi Party and its allies on Tuesday alleged that two trucks carrying electronic voting machines (EVM) have gone missing after the seventh and last phase of the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh concluded on March 7.

In a memorandum submitted to the office of Chief Electoral Officer in Lucknow, the SP and its allies Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj party (SBSP) and Janwadi Party (Socialist) made the allegation, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported. 

"We have submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission regarding the missing EVMs with trucks fleeing with EVMs in Varanasi,” a PTI report quoted the spokesperson of SP, Rajendra Chaudhary, as saying.

"We have taken cognisance of the matter. Action will be taken as per the provisions of the law," Uttar Pradesh’s Additional Chief Electoral Officer B D R Tiwari told the PTI.

According to the report, Chaudhary said that he, along with the SP’s UP unit chief Naresh Uttam, SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar and Sanjay Chauhan of the Janwadi Party (Socialist) has submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, regarding the missing EVM-laden trucks in Varanasi.

“We have also demanded the removal of the Varanasi district magistrate and the divisional commissioner of the Varanasi division,” Chaudhary said.

Shortly after SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to “steal” votes, and said that exit polls are meant to create a perception that the saffron party will emerge victorious in the Uttar Pradesh election, Chaudhary made the allegation, according to the report.

Chaudhary, at a press conference, also alleged that government officials in Lucknow are directing their subordinates in the districts to slow down the counting of votes. He also said that the subordinates are being directed to prolong the process of counting votes till late night where the chances of the BJP winning the election are slim, according to the report.

(With PTI Inputs)