Even as Maharashtra and Haryana elections are underway on Monday, 21 October, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted a video of BJP MLA Bakshish Singh Virk, calling him the “most honest man” in the party.
Gandhi took a dig at Virk, who has been served notice by the Election Commission for his controversial comment on EVMs.
WHAT DID VIRK SAY
In a video that went viral after Virk’s campaign speech from his constituency in Haryana's Assandh, the leader was purportedly heard saying that the BJP has “fixed” a part of the EVM machines.
“We will get to know whoever you vote for. We don’t tell you but if we want, we can find out. Because PM Narendra Modi and CM Manoharlal are intelligent.”
He also added that the vote goes for the BJP’s poll symbol, no matter whom they vote for.
"You may vote for whoever you want, your vote will go to the kamal. Press any button, the vote will go to BJP,” the MLA was heard saying.
EC ACTION AGAINST VIRK
On Sunday, 20 October, the Election Commission issued a show-cause notice to Virk and appointed a special observer to the constituency to take "corrective action", reported NDTV.
He, however, denied making such comments and claimed that the video was fake.
"Some mediaperson has done this act and twisted the entire thing. I respect the Election Commission and have faith in EVMs. I never said anything about the voting machines. There is no truth in the allegations...it is a conspiracy to defame me and my party," said the MLA, as reported by the channel.
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