EVM row: Opposition to knock President's door

With the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) election around the corner, the Opposition will knock the doors of President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday seeking his intervention in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) issue.

Opposition parties, who had to face dejection from the Election Commission as the poll panel denied the reports of tampering of the electoral machine, will request the President to hear their woes.

Citing examples of the other countries like Japan, Germany whose technology is far more advanced than India, the Congress earlier today emphasised on using ballot paper scrutiny instead of using electronic system while stating that we have faith in the Election Commission of India (ECI), but not on the EVM.

Accusing the Central Government of tampering with the EVMs, Congress leader Anand Sharma said this government has refused to give the money for verifiable paper trail that raises a fundamental question about the intent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

Resonating similar views, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Majeed Memon said all leaders of the Opposition parties are unanimously addressing the commission with regard to the lack of faith in EVM functioning.

In the meeting with Election Commission today, a team of top opposition leaders put forward their demand before the ECI of using ballot papers instead of EVMs in the upcoming elections in view of the alleged tampering.