EVMs has derailed democratic elections: K Therie
Mokokchung, April 6 (MTNews): A Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) delegation met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today in New Delhi and raised the issue of EVMs which they believe has derailed democratic elections. NPCC president K. Therie said in a press release that Rahul Gandhi assured to take up the issue with the appropriate authorities.
The NPCC delegation apprised Rahul Gandhi that the two state run EVM manufacturing companies are “under the thumb of BJP” and that the nation is also aware that “almost 19 Lakh EVMS are missing.” Therie said, “EVMs are not businesses or food. However, these missing EVMs are found in BJP leaders’ houses, cars, trucks, etc. The purpose is to change EVM control units and to tamper with the EVMs.”
“Crowds do not betray results in the past, but, in recent times, crowds no longer matter. Issues also do not matter. It is only money and EVMs that win,” Therie further said.
Therie said that the ECI’s argument that EVMs are tamperproof and cannot be overwritten is also a betrayal. “Mock demonstration itself is a proof that EVMs can be removed or reused,” Therie argued, adding that EVM engineers are appointed by the EVM companies for all Returning Officers’ offices. “They come three times before counting. Firstly, 45 days before elections to set the EVMs. Secondly, during filing of nominations to set candidates’ names and symbols. EVM numbers are also declared for all Polling Stations. Lastly, they come 10 days before counting and stay till counting. They release EVMs from strong rooms with Magistrates,” Therie explained.
“These engineers are company engineers. They know all the codes as they own the software. Some claim these EVM engineers are also BJP Bhakts,” Therie further said, and added, “As such, EVM manipulation is possible.”
Therie said that NPCC has, therefore, moved for removal of the EVM system of election and for use of the Ballot Paper system. He also said that NPCC has also suggested ‘One Day Polling’ with counting on the same day, and to “stop appointing EVM engineers and rather, take up training of officers.” He also said that NPCC will not give up “till the trust in democratic elections is restored.”