With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, concerns arise among voters whether their votes cast through EVM-VVPAT machines will reach the right candidate, given the perceived vulnerability of these machines to manipulation. The secrecy surrounding the system further fuels doubts, despite assurances from authorities that it is flawless and tamper-proof. This system, developed in the 1990s by state-owned entities Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has been rolled out gradually across elections since then.
Interestingly, while Western nations, upon identifying flaws in their EVM systems, switched back to paper ballots, our government, ironically, has continued to refine the EVM software and rely on it as a key factor in achieving back-to-back electoral victories. A Right to Information (RTI) query questioning the machine's efficacy was met with the Election Commissioner's statement citing potential harm to national security if classified information were disclosed. This justification rings hollow in light of viral videos on social media showcasing cyber experts demonstrating the potential for software manipulation.
Further compromising the integrity of the electoral process is the recent Rajya Sabha bill proposing the appointment of Election Commissioners, led by the Prime Minister, without any representation from the opposition. This raises concerns about the autonomy of this traditionally impartial institution. It is no surprise then that the BJP has enjoyed a winning streak and now boasts of potentially securing over 400 seats in the upcoming elections, surpassing their previous record of 300. The party's IT cell, operating from the Prime Minister's Office, is known for its aggressive online campaigns, which have undoubtedly contributed to projecting Prime Minister Modi as a global leader. This is further amplified by the excessive media coverage given to the party's achievements in the lead-up to elections.
