INDIA bloc divided over EVMs? After Omar, TMC's Abhishek Banerjee questions Congress
Trending News
1 week ago

INDIA bloc divided over EVMs? After Omar, TMC's Abhishek Banerjee questions Congress

Hindustan Times  

Amidst Congress’s ongoing allegations regarding the veracity of Electronic Voting Machines, Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Monday reacted sharply against its ally and urged the grand old party to "show a demo" if they truly believe in the possibility of EVM tampering. The TMC MP from West Bengal's Diamond Harbour also dismissed claims made by Congress and others questioning the reliability of EVMs, suggesting that proper procedures during randomisation, mock polls, and booth-level checks ensure the system’s integrity. NC's Omar Abdullah on EVMs In an interview with news agency PTI, the National Conference leader dismissed the objections to EVMs, saying it cannot be that the Congress celebrates its win in polls held through the machines and then raises questions on their reliability when it loses. While NC, TMC and Congress are allies, Banerjee’s remarks underline a growing divergence within the opposition INDIA bloc on the issue of EVMs.

Congress Banerjee Omar Tmc Evms Evm  polls  evm  tmc  congress  machines  ec  evms  india  banerjee  abhishek  divided  voting  mp  allegations  tmcs  bloc  questions  omar

History of this topic

Are Congress’s EVM allegations a legitimate concern or a strategic diversion?
5 days, 12 hours ago

Are Congress’s EVM allegations a legitimate concern or a strategic diversion?

The Hindu  

After the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the echoes of alleged Electronic Voting Machine manipulation has once again reverberated through political spaces, particularly from the Congress party and its allies. The Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s strong demand to reintroduce ballot papers by replacing the EVM highlights a recurring scepticism about the established electoral process. Understanding how much people trust EVMs provides crucial …

TMC echoes Omar Abdullah, decides not to support ally Congress in EVM row: ’Show evidence to EC’
1 week ago

TMC echoes Omar Abdullah, decides not to support ally Congress in EVM row: ’Show evidence to EC’

Live Mint  

Trinamool Congress distanced itself from the allied Congress on Monday amid continued debate over ‘EVM tampering’. Senior party leader Abhishek Banerjee urged the party to ‘show evidence to the Election Commission’ rather than ‘making a few statements’. Banerjee stated that allegations of EVM manipulation do not hold true if someone works well during EVM randomisation, even the booth workers verify …

EVM row: INDIA hits different buttons, BJP calls bloc 'biggest scam'
Trending News
1 week ago

EVM row: INDIA hits different buttons, BJP calls bloc 'biggest scam'

India Today  

Electronic Voting Machines have become the latest point of discord in the INDIA bloc, with the Trinamool Congress joining J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to dismiss Congress's claims on the reliability of the voting method. If someone still believes the EVM can be hacked, they should demonstrate it to the Election Commission," Abhishek, who is the nephew of Bengal Chief …

Maharashtra polls: 1,440 VVPATs verified, results matched, says EC amid INDIA bloc's EVM concerns
Trending News
1 week, 5 days ago

Maharashtra polls: 1,440 VVPATs verified, results matched, says EC amid INDIA bloc's EVM concerns

India TV News  

Amid INDIA bloc's concerns over EVM tampering in the recently concluded Maharashtra Assembly elections, Maharashtra's Additional Chief Electoral Officer Kiran Kulkarni said in all 1,440 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails were verified during the last month's state assembly polls with their results matching perfectly with Electronic Voting Machine counts. 659 cases of Model Code violation reported Speaking to PTI, Kulkarni …

INDIA Bloc To Challenge Maharashtra Verdict In Supreme Court Over 'EVM Tampering' In Assembly Polls
1 week, 5 days ago

INDIA Bloc To Challenge Maharashtra Verdict In Supreme Court Over 'EVM Tampering' In Assembly Polls

ABP News  

The opposition INDIA bloc in Maharashtra plans to move the Supreme Court over alleged tampering of electronic voting machines in the recent assembly elections. As per the report by news agency PTI, the moves followed after a meeting with NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, and noted lawyer and Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi. Sharad Pawar Alleges Discrepancies In …

Spare EVMs for poll losses, reflect on political reasons
3 weeks, 5 days ago

Spare EVMs for poll losses, reflect on political reasons

Hindustan Times  

The default response these days of a section of the Opposition, especially the Congress party, when it fails to win an election is to question the electronic voting machine. On Tuesday, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, at a function to mark 75 years of the Constitution, hinted at the party launching a campaign against EVMs. Against this backdrop, the Supreme Court’s …

SC berates politicians’ flip-flop on EVMs, junks PIL to return to ballot system
3 weeks, 6 days ago

SC berates politicians’ flip-flop on EVMs, junks PIL to return to ballot system

Hindustan Times  

The Supreme Court on Tuesday disapproved of repeated doubts raised over Electronic Voting Machines, berating the tendency of political leaders to question the credibility of EVMs when they lose elections while conveniently accepting the system when they win. “When you lose, EVMs are tampered with; when you win, EVMs are fine,” a bench of justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale …

Petition cites Elon Musk's EVM remark for paper ballots in polls, dismissed
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Petition cites Elon Musk's EVM remark for paper ballots in polls, dismissed

India Today  

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking the use of ballot paper voting in elections instead of Electronic Voting Machines. Even during my global peace summit, Elon Musk had clearly stated that EVM technology can be tampered with," the petitioner had said. In June this year, Elon Musk sparked a debate by calling for the elimination of voting …

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on EVM: ‘Have no doubt about its efficacy’
4 weeks ago

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram on EVM: ‘Have no doubt about its efficacy’

Hindustan Times  

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram stated on Monday that he did not doubt the efficacy of the Electronic Voting Machines. His comments came after several leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, including Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, accused the BJP and other parties in the Mahayuti alliance of EVM manipulation. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram does not share the doubts of the …

EVM Becomes A Matter Of Concern, Opposition Escalates The Fight Over It | ABP News
6 months ago

EVM Becomes A Matter Of Concern, Opposition Escalates The Fight Over It | ABP News

ABP News  

The genie of Electronic Voting Machine has come out of the bottle again in the country. Once again the demand for ballot paper in place of EVM has started rising. Actually, this debate started with an X post by the world's richest man Elon Musk. After his post, Rahul Gandhi of Congress, Akhilesh Yadav of SP and leaders of many …

EVMs in India are 'black box', nobody allowed to scrutinise them: Rahul Gandhi
6 months, 1 week ago

EVMs in India are 'black box', nobody allowed to scrutinise them: Rahul Gandhi

The Hindu  

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on June 16 said EVMs in India are a “black box” which nobody is allowed to scrutinise, and asserted that “serious concerns” are being raised about transparency in India’s electoral process. “Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability,” Mr. Gandhi said and tagged a media report which claimed that …

Elon Musk vs ex-Union Minister over EVMs, Rahul Gandhi jumps in too
6 months, 1 week ago

Elon Musk vs ex-Union Minister over EVMs, Rahul Gandhi jumps in too

India Today  

Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has pushed back against billionare tech magnate Elon Musk's comments on electronic voting machines, labelling them as a "huge sweeping generalisation" without basis. Elon Musk, in a post on X, had raised concerns about electronic voting machines, suggesting they should be eliminated due to the potential risk of being hacked by humans or AI, even …

TMC’s Abhishek on alliance with Congress: ‘Was keen on it, even went to meet Rahul Gandhi at 6 am’
7 months, 2 weeks ago

TMC’s Abhishek on alliance with Congress: ‘Was keen on it, even went to meet Rahul Gandhi at 6 am’

India TV News  

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has opened up on the party’s willingness to forge an alliance with the Congress party and said that had TMC not been serious about it, he would not have rushed to Rahul Gandhi’s residence in Delhi at 6 am. Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek asserted that the TMC candidates are the true …

Supreme Court’s EVM verdict ‘tight slap’ to Congress-led Opposition: PM Modi
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Supreme Court’s EVM verdict ‘tight slap’ to Congress-led Opposition: PM Modi

Hindustan Times  

ARARIA/MUNGER: The Supreme Court verdict backing the use of electronic voting machines was a “tight slap” on the face of the Congress-led Opposition which must apologise for creating distrust against the voting machines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at his election rally in Bihar’s Araria on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public …

INDI Alliance leaders committed sin of creating doubt on EVMs: PM Modi
7 months, 3 weeks ago

INDI Alliance leaders committed sin of creating doubt on EVMs: PM Modi

Op India  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attacked the INDIA bloc over the Supreme Court decision rejecting the plea for 100 per cent VVPAT verification of EVM votes and said every leader of the opposition grouping has “committed the sin” of creating doubts in minds of people about Electronic Voting Machine and “their dreams have been shattered”. Booth capturing was very …

Future of INDIA bloc depends on TMC's performance in Bengal: Abhishek
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Future of INDIA bloc depends on TMC's performance in Bengal: Abhishek

The Hindu  

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on April 24 asserted that the future of the INDIA bloc depends, to a large extent, on the performance of his party in West Bengal in the Lok Sabha elections. "The future of the INDIA bloc depends to a large extent on how the TMC performs in West Bengal. Coming down heavily on the …

Supreme Court Cautions Against Doubting EVMs, Stresses Voter Trust
8 months ago

Supreme Court Cautions Against Doubting EVMs, Stresses Voter Trust

Deccan Chronicle  

NEW DELHI: Stressing the need to maintain and protect voters' trust, the Supreme Court on Thursday cautioned the petitioners against doubting the electronic voting machines. While reserving its verdict on a batch of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with voter verifiable paper audit trail slips a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta said the …

‘Don’t try to bring down system like this’: SC on 100 per cent VVPAT verification of EVM votes
8 months, 1 week ago

‘Don’t try to bring down system like this’: SC on 100 per cent VVPAT verification of EVM votes

India TV News  

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday criticised the criticism of Electronic Voting Machines and the calls for reverting to ballot papers, stating that the electoral process in India is a "humongous task," and efforts should not be made to "bring down the system." The top court was hearing a batch of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of the votes cast …

A brief history of EVMs in India | Explained
8 months, 2 weeks ago

A brief history of EVMs in India | Explained

The Hindu  

The story so far: In 1982, the township of Paravur caught national media attention. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Electoral Officer at the time told The Hindu in a May 22 report “.besides prevention of certain malpractices and speeding the process of polling, there were certain other aspects which required detailed examination.” Problems included the storage of these machines, “sophisticated and fragile,” …

Chandigarh’s senior citizens call for polling through ballot papers
9 months ago

Chandigarh’s senior citizens call for polling through ballot papers

Hindustan Times  

The senior citizens of Sector 28 A wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Delhi, on Friday, demanding the conduction of the upcoming 2024 general elections through ballot papers only as the results of most of the elections conducted through the electronic voting machines for the last decade are erroneous. Senior citizens of Chandigarh’s Sector 28 A write a …

Concerns Over EVMs Transparency: Here's What Lok Sabha Election Experts Have To Say
9 months ago

Concerns Over EVMs Transparency: Here's What Lok Sabha Election Experts Have To Say

ABP News  

India’s Electronic Voting Machines are once again the center of contentious debate ahead of the upcoming national polls with opposition parties staging nationwide protests alleging that the machines can be tampered with to manipulate election results. Similar calls were made in the last general elections when various parties demanded a return to paper ballots or to improve the present Voter-Verified …

In the EVM debate, stalemate between civil society and government
11 months ago

In the EVM debate, stalemate between civil society and government

Hindustan Times  

It’s a battle that is being fought between the civil society and the government in the public space and in open courts – without a hint of any forward movement. The incessant and disorderly public debates, suspicion, and court cases around EVMs and Voter-Verifiable Paper Trail are certainly not good for democracy.” He added: “Most recently, allegations of malpractice were …

Congress again asks Election Commission for meeting on EVMs, VVPATs
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Congress again asks Election Commission for meeting on EVMs, VVPATs

Hindustan Times  

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has once again written to the Election Commission, asking for a meeting with INDIA bloc parties to discuss issues related to the use of electronic voting machines and Voter verifiable paper audit trails. The letter dated January 7 was sent in response to the poll body’s January 5 public response to his earlier letterin which EC …

ECI dismisses Jairam Ramesh's concerns on VVPATs, asserts full faith in EVMs
11 months, 2 weeks ago

ECI dismisses Jairam Ramesh's concerns on VVPATs, asserts full faith in EVMs

The Hindu  

The Election Commission of India on January 5 dismissed concerns raised by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail saying there were “no new assertions or reasonable and legitimate” doubts which require “further clarifications”. On Friday the ECI letter, signed by Pramod Kumar Sharma, Principal Secretary in the Election Commission, said that “Rule …

Congress' Jairam Ramesh's letter to poll panel on voting machines-related concerns
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Congress' Jairam Ramesh's letter to poll panel on voting machines-related concerns

India Today  

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday requested a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Raji Kumar so Opposition bloc INDIA leaders could discuss their concerns regarding Electronic Voting Machines. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Ramesh wrote, "I once again make a request for an opportunity for a 3-4 member team of INDIA party leaders to meet with you …

If EVMs not 'fixed' before LS polls, BJP can win over 400 seats: Sam Pitroda
11 months, 3 weeks ago

If EVMs not 'fixed' before LS polls, BJP can win over 400 seats: Sam Pitroda

The Hindu  

Raising concerns over electronic voting machines, Congress leader Sam Pitroda on December 28 said the BJP can win more than 400 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections if issues associated with EVMs are not "fixed". Congress leader Mr. Pitroda also said that his recent comments on the Ram temple in Ayodhya were "twisted" and asserted that religion is a …

EVMs creating ‘distrust’, why not vote through ballot papers, asks Akhilesh Yadav
1 year ago

EVMs creating ‘distrust’, why not vote through ballot papers, asks Akhilesh Yadav

The Hindu  

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on December 15 pushed for the use of ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines for voting, pointing out that the country should adopt the system practised in developed countries like the United States, Japan and Germany. A country like America, which is powerful in economy, conducts voting through ballot for months; a country like …

‘EVM bogey’ vs ‘professional hacker’: BJP, Opposition at odds after assembly poll results
1 year ago

‘EVM bogey’ vs ‘professional hacker’: BJP, Opposition at odds after assembly poll results

Hindustan Times  

After the BJP secured a sweeping victory in the majority of the five-state assembly election, Opposition parties marshalled to question the viability of electronic voting machines after senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh alleged that any machine with a chip can be hacked, stirring reactions from the saffron party. EVMs and other election material kept at distribution centre on the eve …

After BJP wins 3 States, Sanjay Raut questions 'reliability' of EVMs
1 year ago

After BJP wins 3 States, Sanjay Raut questions 'reliability' of EVMs

Op India  

A day after BJP won elections in 3 crucial States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Sanjay Raut courted controversy by casting aspersions on the integrity of the Electronic Voting Machines on Monday. While speaking to ANI, the Shiv Sena UBT leader claimed, “The public mandate in Telangana is different from that of 3 other States…The BJP has won big …

Election Commission should clarify doubts on EVMs, say Opposition parties
1 year, 8 months ago

Election Commission should clarify doubts on EVMs, say Opposition parties

The Hindu  

With a little more than a year to go for the next general elections, the Opposition parties have decided to come together to draft a joint memorandum asking the Election Commission to settle the questions raised over the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines. This decision was taken at a meeting of the Opposition parties hosted by Nationalist Congress Party patriarch …

‘ECI should…’: Opposition raises concern over EVM's efficacy
1 year, 9 months ago

‘ECI should…’: Opposition raises concern over EVM's efficacy

Hindustan Times  

Opposition leaders have raised concerns over the viability of the electronic voting machines and said that they will urge the Election Commission of India to clarify their suspicion over the use of voting machines in elections. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar with Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh addresses a press conference after the Opposition …

Sharad Pawar calls Opposition meeting today to discuss EVM issues
1 year, 9 months ago

Sharad Pawar calls Opposition meeting today to discuss EVM issues

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has called a meeting of leaders of opposition parties on Thursday to discuss the Rural Electronic Voting Machine. In a letter written to all opposition leaders, the NCP chief said that he proposes to convene a meeting of all political parties who have doubts about the efficacy of the Rural Electronic Voting …

Why EVMs with VVPATs can’t be used in Delhi civic polls, asks HC
2 years, 9 months ago

Why EVMs with VVPATs can’t be used in Delhi civic polls, asks HC

Hindustan Times  

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Friday asked the State Election Commission why Electronic Voting Machines with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail cannot be used for the civic polls in Delhi. Ruling Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker Saurabh Bhardwaj has filed a plea seeking directions for the use of VVPAT machines for the polls to rule out chances of tampering. …

EVMs being tampered, says Akhilesh Yadav ahead of UP poll results
2 years, 9 months ago

EVMs being tampered, says Akhilesh Yadav ahead of UP poll results

India Today  

Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election results set to be declared on March 10, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has raised questions on the security of the Electronic Voting Machines. — Akhilesh Yadav March 8, 2022 Meanwhile, after several exit polls predicted a victory for the BJP and its allies in the UP election, the SP chief said the …

Assembly Elections: EVM is No Issue Now, More Than 315 Crore Voters Have Used It, Says CEC Sushil Chandra
2 years, 11 months ago

Assembly Elections: EVM is No Issue Now, More Than 315 Crore Voters Have Used It, Says CEC Sushil Chandra

News 18  

The use of electronic voting machines is no issue now, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said on Saturday, asserting that there is a sense of pride that India has developed a machine which gives accurate and faster results. Responding to a question on parties losing elections questioning the credibility of EVMs, Chandra said, ”EVM is no issue now.” ”EVM is …

Stop use of EVM, switch to ballot paper in forthcoming elections: Plea in Delhi HC
3 years, 5 months ago

Stop use of EVM, switch to ballot paper in forthcoming elections: Plea in Delhi HC

India TV News  

A petition was filed before the Delhi High Court seeking to stop the use of Electronic Voting Machine and use ballot paper in any forthcoming elections. Electronic Voting Machines have replaced the old ballot paper system in India, although many countries of the world; including England, France, Germany, Netherlands, and the United States have banned the use of EVMs," the …

EC Sends Notice to Mamata Banerjee for Asking Muslims to Vote En bloc for TMC, Seeks Clarification
3 years, 8 months ago

EC Sends Notice to Mamata Banerjee for Asking Muslims to Vote En bloc for TMC, Seeks Clarification

News 18  

The Election Commission has sent a notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleging her recent speech was in violation of the model code of conduct and has demanded a reply in 48 hours. Taking cognisance of a complaint filed by BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the poll panel sought clarification from Banerjee regarding her April 3 speech in …

EC gives Mamata Banerjee 48 hours to explain her appeal asking Muslims not to split their votes
3 years, 8 months ago

EC gives Mamata Banerjee 48 hours to explain her appeal asking Muslims not to split their votes

India Today  

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday asked Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to explain her stand on her alleged appeal for votes on communal lines. Addressing an election rally in Tarakeshwar, Hooghly on April 3, Mamata Banerjee urged the minorities "with folded hands" to not divide their votes after listening to the BJP. TMC ATTACKS EC OVER NOTICE Meanwhile, …

TMC raises EVM issue, says votes being transferred to BJP automatically
3 years, 8 months ago

TMC raises EVM issue, says votes being transferred to BJP automatically

Op India  

The first phase of the high octane West Bengal Assembly polls is underway in 30 constituencies on Saturday. As expected, merely a few hours after the voters began to exercise their ballot, the jittery Trinamool Congress Party has started peddling the ‘EVM hacked’ bogey. It said the voters in the Kanthi Dakshin assembly seat have been making a shocking claim …

EC slams TMC, says its letter is full of insinuations, undermines foundations of Constitution
3 years, 9 months ago

EC slams TMC, says its letter is full of insinuations, undermines foundations of Constitution

India Today  

The Election Commission of India on Thursday slammed the Trinamool Congress saying its letter to it is "full of insinuations and averments" and that it "undermines the very foundation of the Constitution". In the memorandum to the Election Commission, the Trinamool Congress said the Commission should take the responsibility for the "attack" on Mamata Banerjee because it had recently ordered …

Bihar Assembly Polls 2020: EVMs Absolutely Robust and Tamper-proof, Says EC as Leaders Question Reliability
4 years, 1 month ago

Bihar Assembly Polls 2020: EVMs Absolutely Robust and Tamper-proof, Says EC as Leaders Question Reliability

News 18  

New Delhi: Against the backdrop of some leaders questioning the reliability of EVMs, the Election Commission asserted on Tuesday that the machines are "absolutely robust and tamper-free". After the ruling NDA took a lead over the opposition Grand Alliance in the poll trends for Bihar on Tuesday, Congress leader Udit Raj raised questions on the reliability of EVMs, asking why …

Discover Related