Reported by Chinmaya Dehury

Bhubaneswar, April 18:

The Congress today lashed out  at the ruling BJD, accusing it of indulging in booth capturing and EVM tampering with the help of the government machinery to ensure its victory in several constituencies during the second phase polls in Odisha.

“Scared of defeat, the ruling party has indulged in booth capturing and EVM tampering at various places in the second phase elections. This has been done with the assistance of polling officials and the government machinery,” said senior Congress leader Sibananda Ray at a press conference here.

Accusing the BJD of capturing at least 30 booths in the Ghasipura constituency in Keonjhar district, he demanded a re-polling at these places and  a free and fair inquiry into the matter.

There are also allegations of EVM tampering in Bhubaneswar, Mahakalpada and other places, he added.

Apprehending tampering of EVMs after the election, the Congress leader criticised the Election Commission for not giving details of polling in booths to the candidates until now.

“We have every right to get details of number of votes polled in each booth. But, the commission is yet to share the details even after our repeated requests. Does the commission want people to tamper with the EVMs kept in the strong rooms,” asked Ray, who is also a candidate contesting the Bhubaneswar-Ekamra seat.