New Delhi: In a statement that could stoke controversy, Rashtriya Lok Samta Dal (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Tuesday urged the people of Bihar and mahagathbandhan allies to protect their vote even if it takes to pick up weapons, a news agency reported.
Kushwaha's remarks were in regard to the videos of EVMs being allegedly transported and stored in unauthorised vehicles that emerged online on Tuesday.
Recalling the times when booth capturing incidents used to be common in the state, Kushwaha said, "Today the booth capturing does not take place but there are efforts being made to loot the election results. If an attempt like this is made this time, then I urge the people of Bihar and mahagathbandhan to
even pick up weapons to protect their votes."
"We have received news that a vehicle carrying EVMs was recovered and the officials there had no answer for that. Incidents like these create doubts in the people's mind which is legitimate. There is anger among the people and the state and central government are responsible to handle it. If they won't do it
then the people and mahagathbandhan will not sit quietly," he added.
Meanwhile, 22 opposition parties met the election commission Tuesday demanding tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM results. Their demand included the matching of at least 5 EVMs with VVPAT in a constituency and if it does not match, then verify all EVMs at a constituency.