'People Think This is Being Sponsored': BJP's Sambit Patra on EVM Malfunction in Puri on Polling Day

New Delhi: As polling is underway in Odisha for six seats in Lok Sabha elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leer and Puri candidate Sambit Patra alleged that several EVMs are not working in region.

Speaking to media on polling day on Saturday, May 25, said, "EVMs are not working at several booths in Puri town. People are facing inconvenience; it's been two hours are voting has still not started in Puri. I have also standing outside my booth for last one hour."

He furr urged Election Commission to take of mishap. "People are feeling that this is being sponsored and I think ministration and Election Commission should take cognisance of this," Patra said.

Similarly, Returning Officer Lopa Mudra on EVM glitch at booth number 77 in Puri said, "Machine (EVM) is not working. Higher authorities have been contacted. It's a long process. Mock polling will be done again before actual voting starts again. It will take time. "

She ded furr, "People are disappointed a bit and returned home, y will come again."

In sixth phase of India's general elections, polling is also being held for 42 assembly constituencies in Odisha. Voting began at 7 am and people were seen queuing up at polling stations.

Over 11.13 crore voters -- 5.84 crore males, 5.29 crore females and 5,120 third gender -- are eligible to exercise ir vote. Election Commission (EC) has deployed some 11.4 lakh polling officials at 1.14 lakh polling stations.

(Inputs from PTI)