Mallu Ravi, a Congress MP, criticized Abhishek Banerjee’s comments on EVMs
New Delhi: TMC politician Abhishek Banerjee’s comments requesting that anyone contesting electronic voting machines (EVMs) provide proof of their accusations before the Election Commission were criticized by Congress MP Mallu Ravi, who called the statement “ridiculous” and said that it is hard to unearth proof of tampering.
“What Abhishek Banerjee stated is absurd because we would have provided the proof in EVM if we could find it. Since it takes place remotely and involves someone who is familiar with EVMs, evidence cannot be provided. That’s the reason our party is discussing this,” Ravi said on Monday.
He said that Banerjee could adopt a different position in his own state. “He is speaking because he is in power in West Bengal—when it comes to West Bengal, I hope (Abhishek) Banerjee will take this issue more seriously than anybody,” Ravi said.
“As far as the common minimum program is concerned, there is no political difference (within the INDIA alliance),” Ravi said, dismissing worries about political divisions within the opposition INDIA alliance. They are entitled to express themselves once they have any sense. They have their own opinions; therefore, they don’t need the INDIA alliance’s approval to talk.”
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla, meanwhile, attacked the Electoral Commission of India (ECI), claiming that the party had presented many protests about the potential for EVM hacking, but the electoral authority had rejected them.
“We have repeatedly presented the Election Commission with a demonstration, but they are not yet prepared to accept it. They begin arguing and fighting with individuals they meet in a delegation. The Election Commission’s unwillingness to acknowledge is the primary problem,” Shukla told ANI.
After losing the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Congress party has expressed skepticism regarding EVMs. In order to voice their concerns about the Maharashtra election process, the party also met with the Election Commission.
TMC lawmaker Abhishek Banerjee criticized the Congress earlier in the day for its position on EVMs, calling the accusations “random statements” and calling on individuals who voiced concerns to back up their claims with proof of how EVMs may be compromised.
“Those who challenge EVMs should go and provide the Election Commission a demonstration if they have any supporting documentation. “I don’t think there is any substance in these allegations if the work is done correctly during the EVM randomization and the booth workers check during mock polls and counting,” Banerjee said.
“If someone still believes that electronic voting machines may be compromised, they need to meet with the Election Commission and demonstrate the hacking process. Making arbitrary remarks won’t get anything done,” the TMC MP said.
Congress leader Sukhdeo Bhagat clarified the party’s position, saying that while the INDIA bloc has a number of allies with varying views, the Congress’s position on EVMs is still clear.
“While each of the INDIA bloc’s allies has its own views, the Congress party’s position is quite clear in this regard. EVMs are crucial to us, but their nature is dubious to those who run them,” Bhagat said.
Congress lawmaker Kiran Kumar Chamala expressed similar worries, saying that Congress still has reservations about EVMs and the voting process even if the INDIA bloc parties may have different opinions.
“We have voiced our reservations and concerns about EVMs and the electoral process in general. Even our coalition parties have their own views, despite the fact that we are all members of the INDIA bloc. We’ve brought up our concerns… “The BJP can accomplish anything,” Chamala said.
