The Rajya Sabha today witnessed noisy scenes with the Congress-led opposition accusing the NDA government of indulging in rigging of the recently held Assembly elections through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Raising the issue during Zero Hour soon after the House met for the day's business after a break of four days, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh charged the ruling party with cheating in the polls. He suggested the use of paper ballots in the coming elections.
"It's a scam and there is a proof against it," Singh alleged.
Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and other opposition leaders also joined Digvijaya on the issue and raised doubts on functioning of the EVMs.
"It's a serious matter," Ram Gopal Yadav said.
Mayawati said that the government was not ‘trustworthy’ and her party would take the matter up in a court of law.
Reacting to their charges, members from treasury benches said the Election Commission has a report on it and they must approach it.
"Don't waste time of the House," Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.
Naqvi said that many elections had been held using EVMs and various political parties had won, but the questions were being raised about EVMs when the BJP won the Uttar Pradesh elections.
"It's an insult of the people. It's also an insult to democracy of the country," he said.
Human Resources Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Election Commission has already clarified in this regard. He asked the opposition to approach the Election Commission.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien also asked the Opposition parties to approach Election Commission saying the Chair cannot do anything in this regard.
