Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee dismissed allegations surrounding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), calling on those raising doubts to demonstrate how they can be hacked. The statement comes amid a broader debate led by Opposition parties about the credibility of EVMs.
“If people question EVMs, they should show a demo to the Election Commission. With proper randomization and monitoring during mock polls and counting, I don’t see substance in these allegations,” Mr. Banerjee stated. “If EVMs can indeed be hacked, the Election Commission must be approached, and evidence presented. Random statements alone achieve nothing.”
The Trinamool leader’s comments follow National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, who also urged consistency in raising concerns about EVMs.
Diverse Stances Within Opposition
Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey supported Mr. Banerjee’s position, highlighting recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand, where parties from the Opposition INDIA alliance achieved victories without questioning EVMs.
“An alliance cannot sustain itself on lies. It’s good Abhishek Banerjee has realized the truth, even if late,” Mr. Dubey added.
However, Congress MP B Manickam Tagore criticized Omar Abdullah, questioning his stance after assuming the position of Chief Minister. Tagore clarified that the Congress’s concerns were directed solely at the Election Commission of India (ECI), not the voting machines themselves.
Consistency vs Convenience
Omar Abdullah, while pointing out the inconsistency in the Opposition’s EVM critique, cited his own electoral experience. “Voters choose you one day, and not the next. Blaming machines for unfavorable results undermines credibility,” he said.
Backdrop of Leadership Struggles in INDIA Alliance
Mr. Banerjee’s remarks coincide with internal tussles within the INDIA alliance, with Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee expressing her willingness to lead the bloc. Her statement garnered support from veteran leaders Sharad Pawar and Lalu Prasad Yadav, further fueling the debate about the Opposition’s leadership.
A Call for Constructive Action
As debates over EVMs intensify, leaders from across the spectrum have called for constructive action rather than baseless allegations. The credibility of elections remains central to democratic discourse, demanding evidence-based approaches rather than political rhetoric.
