Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Thursday criticised those raising questions about the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and said that the EVMs should be kept idle till the next elections as there is a possibility that they will be misused again in the next elections.
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Speaking to media about the EVM tampering allegations, Rajiv Kumar said there has been a similar tradition in the last 20-22 elections as well, where EVMs have been accused of being tampered with and their authenticity has always been questioned, but in the end, EVMs have always shown the results.
“The EVM results are in front of everyone. Why blame the poor bastard? Let them rest for a few days. Let the EVMs rest till the next elections. Then they will come out, the batteries will be changed, the documents will be replaced and they will again be misused but they will give good results. Since the last 20-22 elections, we have seen similar results and governments keep changing,” Rajiv Kumar told news agency ANI.
The poll body chief also said that EVM may have come into being at a time when it has to be criticised and criticised regularly, but it is a very trustworthy organisation and is neutral in all aspects and is fulfilling its role,” he added.
The Opposition is at loggerheads with the Election Commission over the reliability of EVMs. The Supreme Court had earlier struck down Section 61A of the Representation of People Act, 1951, and dismissed a petition regarding the conduct of elections using ballot papers, saying the court had repeatedly heard over 10 cases on various issues related to the functioning of EVMs.
Meanwhile, the Central Election Commission along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu submitted the convening notice of the 18th Lok Sabha and the list of newly elected MPs to President Draupadi Murmu at the President’s House.
“A copy of the notification issued by the Election Commission of India under Section 73 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, containing the names of the Members of Parliament elected to the House of Representatives after the general elections to the 18th Lok Sabha of India has been submitted by the Commission to the President,” the statement said.
‘Adhuri Hazraton Ka Ilzaam…’: CEC’s poetic slam on EVM tampering allegations
President Murmu congratulated the Election Commission for the successful completion of the electoral process, the world’s largest democratic endeavour. “On behalf of the entire nation, President Murmu expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Election Commission, its officers and staff, other civil servants involved in managing and supervising the election campaign and polling, and the central and state police and security forces personnel who worked tirelessly and tirelessly to safeguard the sanctity of the people’s vote and ensure the successful completion of free and fair elections,” he said.
The Election Commission also dedicated the “violence-free” Lok Sabha elections to Mahatma Gandhi, and rejected attempts to mar the electoral process with “rumours and baseless allegations” that could create unrest across the country.
CEC Kumar, along with Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, visited Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.The CEC pledged to continue the EC’s service to the nation, which is marking its 76th year this year, with “unwavering” dedication.
He said the commission ensured that the world’s largest electoral contest produced democratic margins and did not allow any form of violence or even the slightest shadow to cast over the intense electoral exercise in which millions of people participated.
President Murmu on Wednesday dissolved the 17th Lower House of India. The term of the current Lower House ends on June 16, before a new government must be formed.
Mob throws EVMs, VVPATs in 24 Palghan district of south Bengal during voting, Election Commission responds
2024 Lok Sabha Elections Results:
According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, a significant drop from the 303 it won in 2019. Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress gained a significant number of seats, winning 99 seats. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats, while the INDIA bloc won over 230 seats, defying expectations in a tight contest.
(With input from relevant agencies)
