The YSR Congress Party (YCP) has been vocal about alleged EVM tampering in Andhra Pradesh elections, with claims that the electoral process was compromised. YCP leaders and their social media supporters have propagated narratives suggesting that the election outcomes were influenced by manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Despite the lack of concrete evidence, these claims have sparked significant controversy.

Recently, rumors circulated on social media alleging that the Andhra Pradesh Election Commission (EC) had ordered the burning of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips 20 days after the election, which would violate regulations. The EC has firmly refuted these claims, stating that paper rolls from VVPATs are removed only after 10 days post-counting if no verification request is made. VVPAT slips are preserved in sealed envelopes as per Rule 94 of CoE Rules 1961, ensuring they are kept for one year or longer if needed.

The Andhra Pradesh EC’s statement effectively debunked the misleading claims about VVPAT slip destruction. By clarifying the proper procedures for handling VVPAT slips, the EC aims to restore public confidence in the electoral process. This response underscores the importance of accurate information and transparency in addressing allegations of electoral malpractice, reaffirming that the VVPAT slips from the 2024 General Election and Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections are securely retained.