Glitch in EVM leads to 1 hr delay in declaring results

Dharmapuri (TN): A glitch in an EVM led to an hour delay in declaring the results in Dharmapuri Lok Sabha Constituency today, from where PMK candidate Dr Anbumani Ramadoss emerged victorious.

The incident occurred during the sixth round of counting at A Raddihalli of Pennagaram assembly segment when the EVM failed to release the button as officials pressed it to count the votes. Of 1050 voters, 1034 votes were polled in that machine. As it was not able to release the button for counting, officials kept it idle and tried the exercise after the counting was over, but in vain. Though Dr Anbumani Ramadoss won by 77,146 votes defeating P S Mohan (AIADMK), officials kept their fingers crossed to handle the EVM, which led to a delay in announcing the result. On Election Observer Vinoth Singh Bagale`s advise, Returning Officer and Collector K Vivekanandan faxed the message to the Election Commission and acted on its directive to take steps to prepare declaration certificate to Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss after an hour`s delay. The faulty EVM has been kept in the strong room for further action, the sources added.