BJD disapproves of EVM use, suggests ballot voting

Bhubaneswar: Expressing displeasure over irregularities unearthed recently in Madhya Pradesh over working of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), the BJD on Sunday suggested that instead of machines ballot paper should be used during polls.

Speaking to media persons, senior party leader Debasis Nayak said not only BJD but parties all over the country will also definitely push for the use of ballot paper instead of EVM if doubts over the fairness of the voting machine arise.

"During an inspection of EVM yesterday in Madhya Pradesh, it was found that when a button identifying Samajwadi Party sign was pressed the vote went to BJP which is shocking indeed. If the incident is true and the machines were being tampered, it’s really a disgraceful incident," he said.

"Who would want that people’s franchise for their own party goes in favour of the other party and that too in clandestine manner," Nayak added.

It is noteworthy to mention here that different political parties raised concerns over the fairness of EVM in the recently concluded assembly polls of five states including UP, Uttarakhand and Goa.