Kalaburagi (Karnataka) [India], September 16 : Janata Dal (Secular) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy on Tuesday criticised Rahul Gandhi over his allegations of "vote theft" during the Karnataka Congress 'My Vote My Right' campaign, questioning the former Congress president's confidence in electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy alleged that Rahul Gandhi prefers the ballot paper system over EVMs. "The vote theft that Rahul Gandhi spoke about, he doesn't have confidence in EVMs and now wants to go back to the ballot paper system. But when the UPA government was formed, the ballot paper was not used; then, it was also EVM," he said.
The JD(S) leader further hit out at the Karnataka government, calling on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resign if doubts over the EVMs persist.
"This time in the assembly, Congress got around 136 seats in the state, and Congress is doubting the EVM. If that is the case, then Congress and CM should resign, and we should go for a fresh election," Kumaraswamy added.
The renewed controversy over "vote theft" in Karnataka was triggered when Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar launched the 'My Vote My Right' campaign on Monday at Vidhana Soudha on the International Day of Democracy.
Addressing the event, Siddaramaiah said, "To retain power, they have adopted the path of corruption. Therefore, 'My Vote My Right' is important in such a situation. Votes should not be misused, and voting fraud should not be allowed."
DK Shivakumar stated that the 'My Vote My Right' campaign has been designed to raise awareness about democratic values and develop leadership skills among young people and students.
Speaking at the Vidhana Soudha, he said, "Ballot is stronger than a bullet. The monarchy is sitting at home today, and the elected representatives are governing. That is the power of the ballot. It is this voting power that gave rise to leaders like Siddaramaiah and me."