EVM shuffle puzzling: EVKS Elangovan

Thanjavur: “What is the mystery behind moving 50 EVMs from Coimbatore to Theni and another 15 from Chennai to Theni? Where is the necessity to do so? The Election Commission of India (ECI) should clarify on this,” said E.V.K.S. Elangovan, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Congress candidate for Theni parliament constituency here, on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview to Deccan Chronicle, Elangovan said that no candidate of the constituency asked for repoll in some booths. However, ECI decided to conduct the repoll in some booths. If that is so, a few EVMs will do to conduct the repoll in two booths. “But why 50 EVMs from Coimbatore and 15 from Chennai,” asked Elangovan.

“I raised this issue with Theni collector, who is the returning officer for the constituency. She said that she was not aware of movement of machines. She was not told, she said. Today (Thursday) we are raising this issue with Satyabrata Sahoo, chief electoral officer of Tamil Nadu at Chennai. My supporters are giving the petition at Chennai, seeking clarification" Elangovan said.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the way in which ECI has conducted the polling in Tamil Nadu, he said "I am not at all satisfied".

With respect to forming of government at the centre, he said I am confident, Congress will form the government at the centre. Election manifesto of congress which promises Rs 72,000 per annum which works out to Rs 6000 per month has been welcomed by people all over the country. Moreover we have promised to waive farmers loans, education loans (in state). M.K.Stalin, DMK president has announced that gold jewellery upto five sovereigns pledged by farmers to get loans will be recovered. These things and anti-Modi wave in the country, especially in Tamil Nadu will see Congress capturing power at the centre, Elangovan said.

Asked about film actor and president of MNM Kamal Haasan's statement about Godse and subsequent developments, Elangovan said that he could not understand why such a fuss is raised over the issue. "Everyone knows Godse is a terroist and he killed Mahatma Gandhi. Nobody should have a soft corner for Godse. I stand by Kamal. But, he should have said, “Terrorist Godse is a Hindu and not Godse, a Hindu terrorist." He also said that as there is no solid issue for them to discuss in election campaign, BJP has taken up the statement.

He also predicted that there will be change of government both at the Centre and Tamil Nadu after results were declared on May 23. Asked on how many seats Congress will get nationwide, he said, "I can't predict that. But I am sure Congress will form the government at the Centre."