EVMs can be manipulated, says Chandrababu Naidu

Khammam/Hyderabad: Sounding a word of caution on EVMs, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said they can be ‘manipulated’ and asked people to check with the VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) machines after voting in the December 7 Assembly elections.

Mr Naidu was speaking at a public meeting at Khammam, where he shared the dais with Congress president Rahul Gandhi for the first time after forging a four party alliance, at an election rally here.

“I request all of you... We are using EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). I want you to be careful with EVMs. After casting your votes, it will be displayed. Check that also. We have a right to check and know whom we voted for. I am well versed with technology. Even cell phones can be tapped,” he said and claimed that VVPAT was introduced only on his demand.

Later, speaking at a roadshow in Hyderabad, he asked voters to be careful with EVMs “because there is a chance to manipulate them.”

“Everybody should be cautious. You can check whom you voted for through VV PAT. If it not clear, then you can lodge a complaint (with the Election Commission),” he said.

Mr Naidu reiterated that there is a “historic necessity” for all non-BJP political parties to align and fight the NDA government, which, he alleged, was destroying institutions like the Reserve Bank of India, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate and the CBI.

The chief minister said that he would convene a meeting of all non-NDA parties on December 10 and demanded that the TRS and MIM make their stand clear on who they support.

“I am requesting you (people)... If you vote for TRS or MIM, it will benefit the BJP,” he said.

Telangana chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s TRS has friendly ties with AIMIM of Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi.