Ahead of the much-awaited counting day, Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav took to social media to express concerns over alleged discrepancies in EVM numbers in Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh, respectively. While Baghel claimed that thousands of votes could be affected due to the changed EVM numbers, Yadav alleged that police and district administration in UP were detaining Opposition party workers. The Election Commission refuted the allegations, but the Opposition remains optimistic about a potential recovery in certain states.
Concerns Raised Over EVM Discrepancies in India
Ahead of India's highly anticipated general election counting day, concerns have emerged regarding alleged discrepancies in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Opposition party leaders have voiced their apprehensions, prompting a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Allegations and Responses
Chhattisgarh:
Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel alleged that EVM numbers had changed in Chhattisgarh, potentially affecting thousands of votes. The ECI denied these claims, stating that EVM numbers were not changed and that all votes were cast transparently.
Uttar Pradesh:
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the police and district administration in Uttar Pradesh of detaining Opposition party workers. He further alleged that EVMs were being transported in suspicious circumstances. The ECI also dismissed these allegations, asserting that law enforcement agencies were acting in accordance with electoral regulations.
Opposition's Optimism
Despite the ECI's rebuttals, the Opposition remains optimistic about potential gains in certain states. They contend that issues with EVMs and alleged suppression of their workers could lead to a more favorable outcome in their favor.
Background on EVM Concerns
Concerns over EVM reliability have been raised in the past. In the 2019 general election, Opposition parties alleged irregularities with EVMs, triggering a series of legal challenges and protests. The ECI has consistently maintained that EVMs are secure and tamper-proof, but the controversy persists.
Top 5 FAQs on EVM Discrepancies
1. What are EVMs?
Electronic Voting Machines are electronic devices used to record votes in elections. They are intended to increase efficiency, prevent fraud, and eliminate human errors associated with manual voting systems.
2. Have there been any proven cases of EVM tampering?
No credible evidence has emerged to prove that EVMs have been tampered with in Indian elections. The ECI conducts rigorous testing and audit procedures to ensure the integrity of these machines.
3. Why do EVM numbers change?
EVM numbers may change for administrative or technical reasons, such as redeployment or calibration. The ECI verifies these changes through multiple levels of security and ensures that no votes are lost or compromised.
4. What is the process for addressing EVM concerns?
Concerns about EVMs can be raised with the ECI. The Commission investigates all allegations and takes appropriate action based on evidence.
5. What are the safeguards in place to prevent EVM fraud?
EVMs are designed with multiple security features, including tamper-proof seals, cryptographic protocols, and independent verification mechanisms. The ECI also deploys a team of technical experts to supervise the entire voting process.
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