CPI(M) writes to EC to conduct polls using EVMs with VVPAT

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Apr 15 2017 | 8:42 PM IST
Latching onto Tripura BJP chief Biplab Deb's alleged remarks over electronic voting machines, the CPI(M) has asked the Election Commission to link the machines to voter verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) to ensure fair polls in future.
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi, contended that linking VVPAT to EVMs can help "restore" confidence among the people on fair electoral process.
Yechury insisted the Commission to take action against Deb for allegedly stating that even if Tripura Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar casts vote, the same will go to the BJP.
During the April 12 meeting, the BJP leader had also allegedly dared Sarkar to lodge a case against him.
VVPAT dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party the elector has voted for using EVM. Thus, proving that the EVM has faithfully recorded the vote.
"In the light of these developments, it is imperative that the EVMs that will be used in Tripura must all be linked with the VVPAT.
"This is the least that can be done to restore some confidence amongst the Tripura electorate on the fairness of the electoral process in coming elections," Yechury said in his letter sent to the EC today.
Tripura, one of the two states where the CPI(M) is in power along with other Left parties, will go to polls next year.
On April 10, the CPI(M), along with 15 other opposition parties, had urged the EC to revert to the paper ballot system in future polls, saying tampering allegations have created "trust deficit" on the reliability of the voting machines.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 15 2017 | 8:42 PM IST

Next Story