Actor Swara Bhasker, reacting to her husband Fahad Ahmad's defeat in the Maharashtra assembly elections, accused EVM manipulation, questioning the machines' battery levels. Fahad, an NCP (SP) candidate from Anushakti Nagar, lost to Sana Malik, daughter of Nawab Malik, backed by NCP (Ajit Pawar).
As the counting process neared its conclusion, Fahad Ahmed from the Anushakti Nagar assembly constituency.
Ahmad, a candidate from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, trailed behind Sana Malik, a nominee from Ajit Pawar's NCP by over 3,300 votes after 19th round of voting.
In a post on X, Bhasker alleged that after a steady lead by Fahad Ahmad in Anushakti Nagar assembly constituency, he trailed suddenly after the 99% battery charger EVMs were opened.
Through her post on X, she questioned how machines that have been voted on all day long have 99% charged batteries and why all 99% charged batteries give votes to BJP and its allies?
Fahad Ahmad also raised similar allegations, claiming he had maintained a steady lead until round 16 of the counting. He alleged that EVMs with 99% charged batteries were then used, allowing his opponent to take the lead. Ahmad demanded a recount of rounds 16, 17, 18, and 19.
Anushakti Nagar falls under the Mumbai South-Central Lok Sabha constituency.
The Election Commission has earlier clarified that the battery charge displayed on EVMs, including readings like 99%, has no impact on the voting process or the integrity of the machines. It explained that the display shows 99% when the battery voltage is between 7.4 to 8 volts, which is adequate for optimal operation. The display does not reflect the exact battery percentage, and the EVM continues functioning normally as long as the voltage remains within this range.