Those questioning EVMs should demonstrate 'discrepancies' to EC: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee
New Delhi, Dec 16: Those raising questions on Electronic Voting Machines should give a demonstration of any "discrepancies" to the Election Commission, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee said on Monday.
Banerjee's remarks come after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, another leader of the INDIA bloc, dismissed the Congress' strong objections to EVMs, saying the party raises questions about their reliability only when it loses.
Asked about leaders from different INDIA bloc parties supporting Mamata Banerjee on the leadership issue, the TMC national general secretary told reporters that the alliance members will sit and discuss it.
"This is my personal opinion that those who are raising questions on the EVMs should show a demo of its discrepancies to the EC. They should show any video (as evidence) to the EC," Banerjee said to questions on the EVM issue.
The TMC leader said once there is proper monitoring during various stages of the polling process by booth workers and others, there is "nothing substantial" in these allegations.
"I have been conducting elections on-ground for a long time. If someone works well during EVM randomisation and the booth workers check EVMs during mock polls or review the form 17C, which is used to check ballot units or control units, during the counting of votes, I don't think there is anything substantial in these allegations [of EVM manipulation]," Banerjee said.
"Even after that, if someone feels that the EVMs can be manipulated, their delegation should visit the EC and show a demo or evidence proving that there is some malware or technology to hack EVMs," he said.
"If they are unable to do that, a movement or Andolan should be organised over the issue. Only making 2-3 statements regarding a matter does not mean anything," he said.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, in an exclusive interview to PTI, dismissed the objections to EVMs, saying it cannot be that the Congress celebrates its win in polls held through the machines while questioning their reliability when it loses.
Asked about several leaders from the opposition's INDIA bloc supporting Mamata Banerjee on the issue of leading the alliance, Abbhishek Banerjee said, "INDIA alliance will sit and discuss this. She is the senior-most leader. This is her third term as the chief minister and she has also been a Union Minister before as well. So there should be a detailed discussion regarding this."
The TMC said no party should be treated small, and regional parties should not be undermined.
"No party should be treated small. The TMC is the only party in the Indian alliance that has defeated the BJP as well as the Congress. This shows its strength," he said.
"Undermining regional parties is incorrect - this is a mistake which both the Congress and the BJP make. We have come here after being voted by the people. Though the number is 29, one should never undermine people," he said.
"The TMC reduced BJP MPs in Bengal. We have a good strike rate against them. The TMC is the only party where BJP leaders have joined unlike other scenarios where BJP poached leaders. We have seen how the BJP breaks parties, poaches leaders," Banerjee added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had recently said she could manage the dual responsibility of running the opposition front while continuing her role as the chief minister of West Bengal.
Her statement came amid disquiet in the INDIA bloc after the recent electoral setbacks for the Congress in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra. She found support from senior leaders like NCP (SP)'s Sharad Pawar, and RJD chief Lalu Prasad, among others.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
