In a recent development concerning the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, senior poll official Vandana Suryavanshi has refuted claims of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) hacking. She emphasized that EVMs are standalone devices with no communication capabilities, dismissing allegations of manipulation.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Suryavanshi clarified that voting machines function independently and do not require OTPs for operation. Her statements come in response to a controversy involving a relative of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar allegedly using a mobile phone to access an EVM at a counting center. Despite opposition concerns over EVM security, Suryavanshi assured the public of the devices’ integrity and stringent safeguards.
#WATCH | Mumbai Suburban Returning Officer, Vandana Suryavanshi says, “No OTP is needed to unlock the EVM. There is no mobile OTP needed to unlock the EVM as it is a non-programmable offence…It has advanced technical features and there is no communication device on the EVM…It… pic.twitter.com/EEB4Cn4AlT
— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024
Suryavanshi asserted, “EVMs generate results by pressing a button and do not require an OTP,” addressing false reports circulating about the voting process.
She further condemned media reports spreading misinformation, stating, “The newspaper is spreading a complete lie, which some leaders are using to fabricate a false narrative.” The Election Commission has taken legal action against the newspaper under IPC sections for defamation and disseminating false information.
Also Read: Shiv Sena MP’s Brother-in-law Accused Of Using Phone To Unlock EVM
During the vote-counting process, Suryavanshi affirmed that they strictly followed Election Commission protocols, ensuring the presence of polling and counting agents throughout. She assured that technical features and administrative safeguards prevent any manipulation during the electoral process.
Suryavanshi confirmed that they have filed an FIR regarding the incident involving the poll officer’s phone and stated that appropriate measures will be taken.
In the closely contested election, Ravindra Waikar emerged victorious with a narrow margin of 48 votes over Shiv Sena candidate Amol Sajanan Kirtikar. Initially, reports had erroneously indicated Kirtikar’s win before the Election Commission officially declared Waikar as the elected representative.
