Former U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's recent claims of potential vulnerabilities in India's Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have reignited a heated debate about election security. Gabbard reportedly alleged that EVMs could be susceptible to hacking, advocating for a return to paper ballots.
In response, India's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar firmly rejected these claims, asserting the absolute integrity of Indian EVMs. He emphasized that these machines are standalone, not connected to any network, and undergo rigorous legal scrutiny. "Over five crore VVPAT slips have been successfully matched with EVM results, confirming their tamper-proof nature," Kumar stated.
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the government's "silence" on Gabbard's allegations. He called for a Supreme Court investigation, accusing the ECI of avoiding accountability by "planting source-based stories." Surjewala also questioned the dismissal of Gabbard's concerns, given her recent recognition in India, and urged the government to seek detailed information from the U.S. and conduct thorough EVM testing.
The ECI maintains that EVMs are secure, citing technical and procedural safeguards. However, opposition parties continue to demand greater transparency. As elections approach, the debate over EVM security remains a significant point of contention.
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