Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed concerns over the opacity and lack of scrutiny in India's electoral process, citing a post by Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk advocating for the elimination of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This comes amidst a controversy in Maharashtra where a relative of a Shiv Sena candidate was found using a phone connected to the EVM, leading to demands for a full count of VVPAT slips and a call for use of traditional paper ballots by opposition parties.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): Concerns and Controversies
Background
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were first introduced in India in 1998 as a means to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of the electoral process. They replaced paper ballots and involved the use of electronic devices to record the votes of electors.
Over the years, EVMs have faced criticism and concerns regarding their opacity, lack of scrutiny, and potential for manipulation. These concerns have been raised by political parties, activists, and citizens alike.
Current Controversy
The recent controversy surrounding EVMs in India revolves around the concerns raised by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Musk tweeted about the importance of verifying voting systems and expressed skepticism towards the use of EVMs.
This tweet ignited a debate in India, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi echoing the concerns and calling for reforms in the electoral process. Following a controversy in Maharashtra where a relative of a Shiv Sena candidate was found using a phone connected to an EVM, opposition parties have demanded a full count of VVPAT slips and a return to traditional paper ballots.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What are EVMs?
EVMs are electronic devices used to record votes in elections. They consist of a Control Unit (CU) and a Ballot Unit (BU). The CU is responsible for controlling the voting process, while the BU displays the names of candidates and allows electors to cast their votes.
2. Are EVMs hackable?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) maintains that EVMs are not hackable and are designed with multiple layers of security to prevent manipulation. However, critics have expressed concerns about the possibility of tampering with the software or hardware of EVMs.
3. What are the concerns with EVMs?
Concerns with EVMs include:
4. What are VVPAT slips?
VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) slips are paper slips generated by EVMs that provide a physical record of the vote cast. These slips allow electors to verify that their vote has been correctly recorded.
5. What are the alternatives to EVMs?
Some of the alternatives to EVMs include:
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over EVMs in India highlights the importance of ensuring transparent, accurate, and reliable electoral processes. While EVMs have their advantages, concerns about their opacity and potential for manipulation persist. The ECI has a crucial role to play in addressing these concerns and fostering public confidence in the electoral system.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus, particularly in South India. It is a time to fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness and a chance to go to heaven. This year, it falls on January 10, 2025, and devotees celebrate by lighting lamps, chanting mantras, and visiting temples for blessings. The holiday is rooted in the belief that observing it dedicatedly can bring good fortune and a peaceful afterlife.
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken swift action by suspending officials and ordering a judicial probe into the incident. Criticizing the lack of responsibility and failure to assess the situation, Naidu's political opponents are also utilizing the incident to attack his government. Amidst the controversy, the temple's reputation for managing large crowds has taken a hit and measures are being suggested to prevent such incidents in the future.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.