Sharma’s plea on EVM tampering in Bhopal: SC hearing on July 23

Bhopal: Former minister P C Sharma on Monday addressed a press conference regarding an election petition case pending in the Supreme Court and the alleged serious irregularities in the election process. Sharma said that the case related to the election of the Bhopal South-West assembly constituency, stated that the Supreme Court, with its order dated March 23 has taken cognisance of the seriousness of the matter and issued notices (to respondent BJP candidate). The next date of hearing is July 23.Sharma stated that voting took place on Nov 17, 2023, during the assembly elections, in which he was the Congress candidate. The counting of votes took place on Dec 3, 2023, and the BJP candidate, Bhagwandas Sabnani, was declared the winner.He alleged that he received approximately 25% more votes in the ballot paper round, while the results of the EVM machine counting showed a completely opposite result. According to Sharma, the BJP candidate won in EVM machines with a 99% battery level during counting, while the Congress party had an edge in machines with a battery level of 60% to 70%.Sharma also stated that he had CCTV footage from the strong room, which indicated alleged tampering of EVM machines. After the elections, he requested CCTV footage and other technical information from the counting site under the Right to Information Act, but the Election Commission did not provide it, citing court orders.Additionally, information regarding the capacity and usage of batteries used in EVM and VVPAT machines was also sought, which the manufacturing company refused to provide, saying it was "highly confidential" information.Sharma stated that such secrecy and concealment of information raise serious questions about the transparency of the election process. He alleged that the functioning of the EC is under suspicion and has undermined the concept of fair elections.Sharma stated that since the matter is currently pending in the Supreme Court, he has full confidence that it will bring out the truth and protect democracy.Meanwhile, Congress staged a protest on Monday against the BJP-led state govt and the Centre over inflation, price hike of LPG cylinders and petrol, at Roshanpura.