Rawat accepts responsibility for defeat, supports Mayawati on EVM issue

Rawat says though they don’t allege that EVMs were faulty, they support the BSP leader, Mayawati.

The Congress it seems have accepted their humiliating defeat in the assembly elections. On Sunday, during a press conference chief minister Harish Rawat accepted responsibility for the defeat but also supported BSP president Mayawati’s claim on EVMs.

Chief minister Harish Rawat enjoys a cup of tea on Sunday morning. (HT Photo)

“Responsibility for the Congress defeat in Uttarakhand assembly elections is fully mine as entire election campaigning centered around me. There is no question of laying onus on anyone else,” said Harish Rawat speaking to the media in Dehradun.

Rawat said the people of Uttarakhand have given their verdict and the Congress will play its constructive role as the main opposition.

“Apart from strengthening the organisation we will also work on a plan to form an ideological coalition with other sections of the society. We will play the role of a constructive opposition but will not divert from the agenda of development as taken up by the Congress government. If the new government moves away from the track of development and peace and harmony in the society, the Congress will expose them,” warned Rawat.

Supporting Mayawati’s statement on tampering of EMS resulting into BJP’s victory, Rawat said “We don’t allege EVM faults, but support the BSP leader who has crores of supporters in the country and cast her doubts.”

On Saturday, Mayawati had alleged that the electronic voting machines were “faulty” and that the EVMs did not register votes of any other parties.