Introduction
The recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai North West constituency have been embroiled in controversy and allegations of foul play. Amidst claims of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering, a media report from Mid-Day sparked a firestorm of speculation and raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Representative Image - Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) (Source -TOI)
The Allegations
On June 16th, Mid-Day, a prominent Mumbai-based newspaper, published a sensational report alleging that a relative of the Shiv Sena candidate, Ravindra Waikar, who won the Mumbai North West seat by a razor-thin margin of 48 votes, was found using a mobile phone "connected" to an EVM during the counting process on June 4th. The report quoted unnamed police sources, claiming that the mobile phone was used to generate a One-Time Password (OTP) to unlock the EVM. The report further alleged that during the initial stages of the counting process, the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate, Amol Kirtikar, was leading, but the trend reversed when votes from the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) were counted. This shift in fortunes fueled suspicions of foul play and prompted Kirtikar to demand a recount, which was reportedly denied.
Reactions and Responses
The Mid-Day report ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leaders and activists seizing the opportunity to cast doubts on the credibility of EVMs and the overall electoral process. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, took to social media, citing the report and alleging that EVMs in India are a "black box" lacking transparency and accountability. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) and returning officers promptly dismissed the allegations, terming the report as "false news" and asserting that EVMs are standalone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity. Vandana Suryavanshi, the returning officer for the Mumbai North West constituency, categorically stated that EVMs do not have any provision for OTPs or remote unlocking mechanisms.
Mid-Day's carification was mostly half-hearted as it covered a very small portion on the front page that too next to a report on Salman Khan making it easy to miss (Image: Live Law/ Mid Day)
Suryavanshi further clarified that the incident at the counting center involved the unauthorized use of a mobile phone by an aide of the Shiv Sena candidate, for which a criminal case had already been filed. She emphasized that the EVM system is designed with robust technical safeguards and administrative procedures to prevent any possibility of manipulation. The Mumbai Police also weighed in, terming the media reports as "fake and baseless," and asserting that no official had provided information about using a mobile phone to generate an OTP to unlock EVMs.
Journalistic Ethics and Accountability
The controversy surrounding the Mid-Day report has also raised questions about journalistic ethics and accountability. Despite the ECI's notice and clarification, the newspaper's response has been criticized as inadequate. The clarification was buried on the front page, overshadowed by a larger report on a Bollywood celebrity, raising concerns about the publication's priorities and commitment to correcting misinformation, especially about a sensitive topic like Elections.
Furthermore, the report's author, Shirish Vaktania, has neither apologized nor reposted the clarification on social media, leaving the original false narrative unchallenged on his personal channels. This lack of visible accountability and proactive correction has drawn criticism from various quarters, underscoring the need for stricter adherence to journalistic standards and ethics.
EVM Security and Integrity
At the heart of the controversy lies the question of EVM security and the integrity of the electoral process. The ECI has consistently maintained that EVMs are standalone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity, ruling out the possibility of remote manipulation or hacking. The machines are physically sealed after voting, with authorized polling agents and officials signing the seals, ensuring transparency and accountability.
On counting day, the seals and signatures are verified by agents before the machines are unsealed and the results are displayed. This process, conducted in the presence of candidates or their agents, eliminates the need for any remote unlocking mechanisms, further reinforcing the system's security. Experts have also highlighted the robust technical features and administrative safeguards in place to prevent any tampering or manipulation of EVMs. These include stringent custody protocols, tamper-evident seals, and rigorous testing and certification processes.
Conclusion
The EVM tampering allegations in the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency have stirred a hornet's nest, reigniting debates about the integrity of India's electoral process. While the claims of OTP-based unlocking and remote manipulation have been unequivocally debunked by authorities and experts, the controversy has exposed vulnerabilities in journalism and underscored the importance of responsible reporting. As India continues to strengthen its democratic foundations, addressing concerns and fostering transparency in the electoral process will be crucial. Responsible journalism, coupled with robust institutional mechanisms and public awareness, can play a pivotal role in upholding the sanctity of the democratic process and ensuring the credibility of the nation's electoral systems.
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