Mon Nov 25 21:38:03 UTC 2024: ## EVM Discrepancies Raise Eyebrows After Maharashtra Election Landslide
**Mumbai:** The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi’s landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, securing 232 out of 288 seats, has sparked concerns and fueled speculation regarding the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Reports suggest discrepancies between the votes recorded in EVMs on November 20th and the actual vote count on November 23rd in 92 constituencies.
A Lokmat news report highlights a disparity in vote counts across 95 constituencies. In 19 constituencies, EVMs showed a higher number of votes than the actual count, while 76 constituencies recorded fewer votes on the EVMs than the final tally. The discrepancy could potentially increase as booth-level scrutiny continues. 193 constituencies, however, reported no such discrepancies.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has taken to Twitter, questioning the fairness of the election process and hinting at the possibility of EVM manipulation. Concerns are also being raised by ordinary citizens, who have questioned the Election Commission’s impartiality and the delay in releasing Form 20 (the detailed election results). The delay, coupled with the reported discrepancies, has fueled public distrust in the electoral process.
Several constituencies across the state, including Karad, have reported citizen concerns. The public is questioning the Election Commission’s transparency and efficiency in handling the post-election procedures.
These discrepancies and the overwhelming victory for the ruling coalition have led to widespread debate about the reliability of EVMs and the need for a thorough investigation into the reported irregularities. The Election Commission is yet to respond officially to these allegations.
First Piper 