The BJP and BJD in Odisha engaged in a dispute over the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). BJD leaders expressed concerns over alleged irregularities in the 2024 elections, seeking clarification from the Election Commission of India. They highlighted discrepancies in votes polled and counted, questioning the denial of Form 17C copies for certain constituencies.
The BJD raised issues of official errors affecting citizens’ voting rights and the lack of data sharing on votes cast before EVM malfunctions during polling. They also queried the sudden rise in vote figures post the scheduled polling end time. Notably, Odisha witnessed a significant increase in vote figures in the 2024 elections, a deviation from past trends.
In response, the BJP accused the BJD of making false statements to mask their disappointment after electoral rejection. The BJP emphasized that the BJD’s concerns over EVMs and Form 17C arose post-elections. They pointed out the absence of complaints from BJD polling agents regarding Form 17C during the 2024 general elections, questioning the timing of the allegations after the electoral loss.
