The Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency witnessed a fresh political controversy as allegations of electronic voting machine (EVM) hacking surfaced recently. A report by Mid-Day newspaper claimed that a relative of Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Waikar was found using a mobile phone connected to an EVM during the counting of votes on June 4. This incident led to a heated debate between the ruling party and the opposition, with the Bharatiya Janata Party demanding action against those spreading the news.
The report mentioned that Mangesh Pandilkar, the brother-in-law of Ravindra Waikar, allegedly used a mobile phone to unlock an EVM during the vote counting process. However, returning officer Vandana Suryavanshi and Mumbai Police dismissed these allegations, stating that the EVMs are standalone systems and cannot be accessed through wireless communication. Despite the denial, Pandilkar and a poll official, Dinesh Gurav, were booked for violating the ban on mobile phones inside counting centers by the Election Commission.
The controversy further escalated when senior political leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Aaditya Thackeray commented on the issue. Concerns were raised about the reliability of EVMs, with demands for a thorough investigation into the matter. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, even joined the conversation, emphasizing the risks associated with electronic voting machines.
While the Election Commission refuted claims of EVMs being accessed through OTPs and emphasized the robust safeguards in place, the debate around the incident continues to linger. The case has also attracted attention from various political parties, each expressing their views on the matter.
In conclusion, the EVM ‘hacking’ row in the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency has brought to light the complexities and controversies surrounding the electoral process. As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the future of electoral practices in India.
