Kurnool: Former minister and senior YSRC leader Balineni Srinivasa Reddy said that he would move the Supreme Court if the Election Commission (EC) does not address his concerns over irregularities in the EVMs. Srinivasa Reddy had previously complained to the EC about discrepancies in the general elections and requested verification of votes in EVMs with VVPAT slip count in 12 booths in the Ongole assembly constituency.
The EC officials began inspecting the EVMs at two polling centers daily for six days starting Monday. However, during the re-check, Srinivasa Reddy's representatives objected the process and demanded that VVPAT slips must also be counted. When officials stated it was not possible, the verification process was halted. Srinivasa Reddy expressed his dissatisfaction, emphasising that according to Supreme Court guidelines, the EC was duty-bound to clear the candidates' doubts. He said if the High Court does not deliver justice, he would escalate the issue to the Supreme Court.
The AP High Court has postponed the hearing of his writ petition to Tuesday. Srinivasa Reddy approached the court seeking to halt the mock polling and insisting on EVM verification and VVPAT slip counting as per the apex court directives. During Monday's proceedings, Srinivasa Reddy's lawyer argued that the EC's mock polling was not in line with the court's guidelines. The High Court adjourned the hearing to allow further arguments after the EC's lawyer said they would present their case on Tuesday.
