Naidu slams ECI\, alleges 30-40 % EVMs either malfunctioned or

Naidu slams ECI, alleges 30-40 % EVMs either malfunctioned or

Press Trust of India  |  Amaravati(AP) 

Claiming that there was a "silent wave" in the state in his favour, N Chandrababu Friday, however, accused the of of making the election process a "big farce."

Addressing a press conference a day after polling for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats was completed, the Minister spit fire on the ECI over the manner in which the election process was conducted, alleging that 30-40 per cent EVMs in the state either malfunctioned or did not function.

"This is a very big farce. Disaster for the nation. I can say it is a big confusion, big mess, big farce," said in a restless tone.

He claimed that as per "official information" 4,583 EVMs got stuck in the state and noted that it was a "major crisis."

He found fault with the Deputy Election Commissioner's clarification that there was no problem with the EVMs in AP.

"I have never seen such an insensitive, unrealistic, irresponsible and useless Do you make a mockery of democracy? EC turned into BJP branch office," the TDP said.

"As senior leader I have to warn them (EC). Country should know. They should not commit any more these type of mistakes," added.

The TDP also said he would file a review petition in the over its order on counting of VVPAT slips.

"I am going to tomorrow (to meet the ECI officials). EC should answer why it did all this. After this we will go logically on EVMs," he said and reiterated the demand that the country revert to the old ballot paper system.

To a question, he replied more rigging was happening now, that too in an easier way with the use of EVMs.

The also fired at the ECI over the appointment of the state Chief Secretary, alleging that the latter was a "co-accused with Jagan" in the disproportionate assets case.

"How do you post the CS without consulting us? Do we have to get work done through him? You will run governments? Will you look after my security," Naidu asked, finding fault with the EC over the transfer of Intelligence DG and three other IPS officers.

The TDP also cried that the in were scheduled in the first phase in one go only to "leave me no time."

"Last time (2014) elections were held in the last phase, this time in the first phase.

What is the rationality? Did you speak to political parties or have you taken lottery or did jumbling? What it indicates?" he asked.

Naidu, however, wound up his press conference announcing that he would take oath (as again) on a "good day" after May 23.

"There is a silent wave, beyond anyone's imagination. We are winning," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Fri, April 12 2019. 21:50 IST