Naidu slams ECI, alleges 30-40 % EVMs either malfunctioned or did not function

Amaravati (AP): Claiming that there was a "silent wave" in the state in his favour, Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday, however, accused the Election Commission of India of making the election process a "big farce."

Addressing a press conference a day after polling for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats was completed, the Chief Minister spit fire on the ECI over the manner in which the election process was conducted, alleging that 30-40 per cent EVMs in the state either malfunctioned or did not function.

"This is a very big farce. Disaster for the nation. I can say it is a big confusion, big mess, big farce," Naidu said in a restless tone.

He claimed that as per "official information" 4,583 EVMs got stuck in the state and noted that it was a "major crisis."

He found fault with the Deputy Election Commissioner's clarification that there was no problem with the EVMs in AP.

"I have never seen such an insensitive, unrealistic, irresponsible and useless Election Commission. Do you make a mockery of democracy? EC turned into BJP branch office," the TDP chief said.

"As senior leader I have to warn them (EC). Country should know. They should not commit any more these type of mistakes," Naidu added.

The TDP chief also said he would file a review petition in the Supreme Court over its order on counting of VVPAT slips. "I am going to Delhi tomorrow (to meet the ECI officials). EC should answer why it did all this. After this we will go logically on EVMs," he said and reiterated the demand that the country revert to the old ballot paper system.

To a question, he replied more rigging was happening now, that too in an easier way with the use of EVMs.

The Chief Minister also fired at the ECI over the appointment of the state Chief Secretary, alleging that the latter was a "co-accused with Jagan" in the disproportionate assets case.

"How do you post the CS without consulting us? Do we have to get work done through him? You will run governments? Will you look after my security," Naidu asked, finding fault with the EC over the transfer of Intelligence DG and three other IPS officers.

The TDP president also cried that the general elections in Andhra Pradesh were scheduled in the first phase in one go only to "leave me no time."