Mandya: Independent candidate A Sumalatha Ambareesh was allotted EVM serial number ‘20’ whereas Nikhil Kumaraswamy was allotted ‘01’. The supporters allege a conspiracy by the election officer.
Sumalatha’s supporters say that it is not legal to allow serial number ‘01’ on the EVM to a regional party candidate. The supporters allege that the election officer N Manjushree, District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner yielded to the pressure from CM Kumaraswamy.
One voting machine can accommodate only 16 names which will push Sumalatha’s name to the second EVM leading to confusion among voters.
Sumalatha says that her name comes second among the other four Sumalathas who are contesting the polls. This too, she says is a conspiracy to confuse the voters.
Sumalatha has filed a complaint with the State Election commission regarding DC approving Nikhil’s nomination papers despite having mistakes in them.
Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) candidate also alleged irregularities in allotting EVM numbers. He a national party candidate was allotted second serial number in the EVM whereas the Election Officer has allotted the first serial number to a regional party, which is illegal.
