EVMs cannot be tampered like Pagers: EC rejects Congress' allegations over election manipulation

New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) has firmly dismissed allegations made by the Congress regarding the manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), ahead of the poll date announcement for Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, addressing the concerns, assured that EVMs are entirely foolproof and dismissed claims that the machines could be tampered with like pagers.

Kumar said that it is impossible to rig EVMs like pagers and added  We are waiting for the next big charge from Congress. The issue about EVM battery is new, but EVMs have three-layered security, including the batteries," said Kumar. He further added that the public has already expressed confidence in the voting process by participating in large numbers.

The response came after opposition parties, particularly the Congress, once again raised concerns over EVM tampering. Congress leader Rashid Alvi, in a recent statement, claimed that EVMs could be hacked, citing Israel’s ability to interfere with pagers used by Hezbollah militants. Alvi suggested the opposition should push for paper ballot voting in Maharashtra, warning that "EVM manipulation" could lead to a BJP victory.

“If Israel can kill people using pagers and walkie-talkies, what chance does EVM stand? The PM has strong ties with Israel, and EVM manipulation could happen anywhere," Alvi said.

Earlier, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh submitted a memorandum to the EC, pointing out alleged irregularities in the voting process in 20 assembly constituencies in Haryana. Congress leader Pawan Khera also claimed that the EVMs showing a 99 per cent battery charge were the ones where the Congress candidates lost, while the machines with lower battery levels showed victories for the party.

The Election Commission, however, remained firm, reiterating that the machines are reliable, and the complaints raised by Congress will be reviewed, though no evidence of tampering has surfaced.

The poll dates for Maharashtra and Jharkhand have been announced, amidst heightened scrutiny over the integrity of the electoral process. (ANI)