EVMs back in the News in Gujarat Polls 2017

ONI Bureau: While the lackluster response to the voting is clearly visible in the first phase Gujarat assembly polls, serious questions have been raised on the EVMs yet again. As soon as the voting began at 8 AM today, EVM malfunctioning was reported from over 60/70 EVMs across the state, prompting the Congress to allege conspiracy to sabotage voting in Patidar/Dalit areas.

Although the faulty EVMs and VVPAT were replaced following the complaints, serious questions were raised on the efficacy of this technology. There has been a growing demand to go back to ballot papers to avoid any confusion and put an end to conspiracy theory.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) BB Swain has admitted that they have received more serious complaints of EVMs connecting with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi along with screenshots. However, later he disposed the complaint, saying it was just a misunderstanding and no foul play was found.

The Congress keeps claiming that BJP is using EVMs to win the polls. At the same time, BJP mocked the Congress and said the party is looking for excuses for its defeat.