Bengaluru: AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge questioned why the Congress should still doubt the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) despite securing 136 seats in the recent elections.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Sunday, Kharge detailed constituency-wise irregularities, pointing out that in some places Congress initially received around 20,000 votes, later reduced by 56,000 votes, while in others the margin showed 25,000 missing votes. “In Afzalpur, the gap turned into a minus of 10,000 to 12,000. In rural belts, we saw fluctuations of 37,000 and in southern constituencies, another 20,000. How can such numbers appear? These figures simply don’t add up,” Kharge remarked.
He admitted he personally believed his work and efforts would naturally earn public support. “I thought people wouldn’t abandon me, but instead I faced unexpected results. Maybe voters were angry, or maybe they felt I was rising too fast and needed to be cut down. I don’t know—but this is what makes me raise questions about EVMs.”
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in Parliament, Kharge added: “Kharge Saab Bahut Baar Jeete, Lekin Is Baar Woh Jeetenge Kya—Maaloom Nahin.” He argued that when the Prime Minister himself casts doubt on electoral outcomes, it is natural for opposition leaders to suspect manipulation.
Kharge concluded by saying that despite Congress’ performance, these irregular vote patterns remain “visible before everyone’s eyes,” raising legitimate doubts about whether EVMs truly reflect the people’s mandate.
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