DMK to boycott verification of EVMs in Kolathur alleging lapses; plans to go to court

The DMK has announced it will boycott the verification of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in Kolathur Assembly constituency, alleging that the machines were not properly protected. Party president M.K. Stalin had contested the election from this constituency. Senior advocate N.R. Elango, representing Stalin, stated that out of eight EVMs examined, three showed discrepancies.

Elango submitted a letter with 19 questions to the District Election Officer, seeking clarifications from officials involved in the verification process, including representatives of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. He alleged that the address tags on the EVMs appeared to be new and unused, contrary to the expected number and details.

Elango claimed the EVMs were not properly protected, as only the front side of the address tags had the amber seal, whereas there should have been two seals. He further explained that the control unit, which is accessed during counting, should have two seals, not just one. Elango plans to challenge the election in either the Madras High Court or the Supreme Court.