Botched counting by EVMs: More votes polled than total number of votes

BHOPAL: EVMs were thought to herald an era of rigging-free polls, but in Bhander town in Datia district polling statistics defy the concept of democratic procedure. Candidates contesting civic polls from 14 wards in Bhander bagged more votes than total number of votes polled in respective wards.
TOI has copies of certificates issued to candidates after counting.And the final voting figures as prepared by returning officers after polling gives ward-wise break-up of votes polled. "There is manipulation in EVM machines," said Pintu Rajoria, husband of Congress candidate from ward No. 2 of Bhander town, Priti Rajoria.
"995 votes were polled in our ward, but when the result certificate was given, it was stated 1,071 votes were secured by all candidates of our ward. How can there be a difference of 76 votes," he said.
"In ward No. 6, only 902 votes were polled and officer-on-duty sealed the EVM in our presence. But the election commission certificate stated 904 votes," said Anil Sharma, who contested for the post of corporator as an independent. Sharma also lodged a complaint with state election commission, district election officer and returning officer. "But this is not the case with one ward. In 14 of 15 wards of the town, similar discrepancies have cropped up," said Sharma.
In almost all wards, there is marginal increase in number of votes collectively polled by candidates. The difference has been of one or two votes, but that should not have happened since EVMs were used. How can there be even such a difference," he asked.
Nodal officer for complaints at state election commission, deputy secretary Buddhesh Vaidh said, "A report has been sought from district collector, Datia. Course of action will be decided after getting the report".
BOX
Ward Number
Voters Polled
Votes secured by candidates contesting civic polls
1
800
802
2
995
1071
4
915
916
5
831
832
6
902
904
7
740
741
8
864
866
9
755
757
10
820
821
11
925
926
12
828
830
13
974
976
14
1055
1059
15
1136
1141