EVM row: Upendra Kushwaha warns of ‘bloodshed’

PATNA: RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha has warned of “bloodshed and chaos” if there is EVM tampering. Addressing a joint press conference of the Grand Alliance (GA) on Tuesday, he called upon the opposition party workers as well as the common people to remain alert, especially on counting day, and “pick up arms if the needed arises”.
“Sadkon par khoon bahega (there'll be blood on the streets),” Kushwaha said, while accusing the NDA of making attempts to replace the EVMs.
The RLSP chief, who had switched over to the Magatbandhan from the NDA, claimed that a “result loot” was underway after the elections, comparing it to the booth capturing incidents of the ballot-paper era.
“They (NDA) say Modi hai to mumkin hai (with Modi everything is possible), but now they cannot succeed in their plans. They should stop their illegal activities. There is rage among common people because of post-poll actions of NDA and it could lead to bloodshed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar will be responsible for it.”
When asked if he was instigating people, Kushwaha said he was not instigating anyone rather he wants to caution the ruling government of carrying out any untoward incidents. He cited the example of socialist leader Karpoori Thakur who had exhorted people to take up arms to protect their votes.
“Jis tarah beti aur roti ki izzat ke liye hatiyar uthana padta hai, usi tarah vote ki raksha ke liye bhi Karpoori Thakur ne kaha tha ki zaroorat pade to hatiyar uthao,” Kushwaha said.
He also refused to accept the exit polls that have favoured the NDA’s return to power.
Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Madan Mohan Jha asked Mahagathbandhan workers to remain vigilant and keep an eye on the strongrooms where EVMs have been kept. Citing the example of assembly elections in Chattisagarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Jha said exit poll results in these three states were different than the actual result.
Vikassheel Insaan party chief Muskesh Sahni also hit out at PM Modi calling him the “biggest thief”. “A big thief is there in front of you, so remain alert,” he said.
RJD leaders Ram Chandra Purbey, Alok Mehta and HAM (S) state president V L Vaishantri along with other Mahagathbandhan leaders were also present during the press conference.