Dimapur, April 6 (EMN): Alleging the possibility of manipulation in the functioning of electronic voting machines (EVM), the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has sought for its removal and opt ballot paper system to ensure fair elections.
A press release issued by NPCC president, K Therie, has also suggested ‘one day polling’ with counting on the same day and to stop appointing EVM engineers but instead take up training for officers.
NPCC has raised the issue of EVM with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday. Therie stated that Rahul Gandhi has assured to take up the issue with the appropriate authorities.
“Crowds do not betray results in the past, but in recent times, crowds no longer matter. Issues also do not matter. It is only money and EVMs that win,” Therie said.
NPCC delegation has apprised that the two-state run EVM manufacturing companies are under the thumb of BJP as almost 19 lakh EVMs were missing.
“EVMs are not businesses or food. However, these missing EVMs are found in BJP leaders’ houses, cars, trucks, etc. The purpose is to change EVM control units and to tamper with the EVMs,” Therie added.
Dismissing ECI’s argument that EVMs are tamperproof and cannot be overwritten, Therie has termed it as a betrayal. To substantiate his claim, Therie stated that mock demonstration itself was a proof that EVMs could be removed or reused.
“EVM engineers are appointed by the EVM companies for all returning officers’ offices. They come three times before counting. Firstly, 45 days before elections, to set the EVMs, secondly, during filing of nominations to set candidates’ names and symbols. EVM numbers are also declared for all polling stations. Lastly, they come 10 days before counting and stay till counting. They release EVMs from strong rooms with magistrates,” Therie alleged.
As those engineers knew all the codes as they own the software, Therie alleged that some of the EVM engineers were also BJP Bhakts.
While affirming its stand on fair elections, Therie added that NPCC would not give up ‘till the trust in democratic elections is restored.’