📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has recently countered the criticism by Tesla CEO Elon Musk regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The debate arose when Mr. Musk called for the elimination of EVMs due to hacking concerns, following voting discrepancies in Puerto Rico’s primary elections. However, Mr. Chandrasekhar dismissed this as a sweeping generalization and emphasized the security of India’s EVMs. According to him, Indian EVMs are custom-designed, secure, and isolated from any network or media. He highlighted the lack of connectivity including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and internet, making it impossible for hacking attempts. Mr. Chandrasekhar expressed pride in India’s electoral process, stating that EVMs are architected correctly. He even extended an offer to Elon Musk to provide a tutorial on India’s EVM system. This debate comes amidst concerns raised by various political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, about the transparency and accountability of the electoral process in India. The Election Commission of India reassured the public that tampering with EVMs is impossible at any stage, further supporting the credibility of the electoral system in the country.