AP CM Chandrababu Naidu asked what is the use of VVPAT slips if they are not counted for tallying with the electronic readings of EVMs. He said that all the 21 parties would respect the judgement of the Supreme Court which dismissed their demand for counting 50 per cent VVPAT slips. But at the same time, Naidu asserted that they would continue their struggle for bringing transparency in the counting of votes. There should be correct systems to ensure the credibility of the entire polling process.
Chandrababu said that there was a lot of public awareness now on the need for proper polling and counting methods. In future, there would be more public pressure for greater transparency. Naidu said that the VVPATs were introduced only to increase trustworthiness of EVMs but unfortunately the Election Commission is not making effective use of them. Over Rs 9000 crore were spent to acquire VVPATs and all this money is now a wasteful expenditure. He said that staff shortage is just an excuse of the EC to avoid bringing more transparency.
