The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Madhya Pradesh): Digvijaya Singh, the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and the current Congress candidate from the Rajgarh Lok Sabha seat, raised concerns over the functionality of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in Chachaura. Singh claimed discrepancies, stating that the EVM registered 50 votes when only 11 were cast. However, the State Election Commission has refuted these allegations, confirming that no such incident occurred.
During a press briefing in Bhopal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Anupam Rajan, addressed these concerns. He reported that after consultation with the Guna district collector, it was confirmed that the claims made by Singh were unfounded. The CEO clarified that as of 11 am on election day, 32 percent of the registered voters at the mentioned polling booth had already voted, with 295 out of 905 voters casting their ballots.
In addition to the EVM issue, Singh highlighted other grievances involving the treatment of Congress workers, who he claimed were being pushed beyond the 100-meter radius from the polling station, while BJP leaders were allegedly allowed closer access with banners and posters. He also noted that while a Congress leader was detained at a police station, BJP affiliates purportedly with more severe criminal tendencies were freely moving around.
This election is particularly significant for Singh, who has announced it will be his last. Reflecting on his political journey spanning over five decades, he shared a personal anecdote about his return to political life in Raghogarh after his father’s death, where a local merchant inspired him to leave a legacy beyond material achievements. Singh has expressed that he leaves the judgment of his political career to the people, marking an emotional end to his long-standing service in Indian politics.
The Rajgarh constituency, along with eight other parliamentary seats in Madhya Pradesh, is currently undergoing polls in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The state’s elections are scheduled in four phases, with the final phase set for May 13, and the vote count on June 4.