EVM Credibility Row Rekindled as BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi After Karnataka Survey

The debate over the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) intensified across party lines following the Karnataka government's recent survey, which indicated strong public trust in the EVM system. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over repeated allegations against Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), calling him a "laughing stock" on electoral issues.

Speaking to reporters here, Poonawalla said, "Rahul Gandhi, as LoP, which should mean Leader of Opposition, actually stands for Leader of Propaganda. He speaks out against Constitutional institutions, such as the Election Commission, even abroad. When elections are lost, he blames the EVMs. His own government has fact-checked him."

The remarks came in the backdrop of a recent Karnataka government survey and a separate endline assessment by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority (KAMEA), which highlighted high public trust in EVMs during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The KAMEA survey, conducted as part of a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) assessment, found that over 83.61% of respondents expressed confidence in the electoral system and the integrity of EVMs. The survey also showed that 81.39% of voters recognised the importance of casting their votes as a direct contribution to democracy.

BJP leaders welcomed the findings, saying the survey reinforced the credibility of EVMs. In Bengaluru, BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar said, "I am very happy that this survey is being conducted in Karnataka. The gist of the survey is, the majority of people have trust in EVMs; they see it as a tried and trusted mechanism to know the mandate of the people."

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy noted, "The Congress government itself announced today that over 83 percent of people have accepted EVMs. Despite this, Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have repeatedly alleged vote manipulation."

In Mumbai said, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC highlighted the survey's methodology, stating, "Majority of respondents agreed that there was no EVM tampering and no interference by the Election Commission. The survey included a sample of 5,100 people across 102 Assembly constituencies, confirming the results clearly."

In Ranchi, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo added, "Wherever surveys have been conducted, the state governments themselves are the biggest witnesses to the integrity of the EVMs. In Karnataka, the Congress is in power. If there had been any tampering with EVMs, do you think Congress would have formed the government anywhere?"

Congress leaders, however, questioned the findings and expressed reservations about relying solely on EVM-based results.

In New Delhi, Congress MP Manoj Kumar said, "Everyone knows that in Karnataka, our government is in power, not Congress. We do not accept the Election Commission survey blindly. The flaws in EVMs, which Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly pointed out, have still not been addressed."

In New Delhi, Congress leader Harish Rawat added, "EVMs were introduced by us, but if the ruling power wants to misuse authority and the Election Commission becomes compromised, then EVMs can become dangerous for democracy. The issue is not the EVM itself, but the intent of those who operate it."

In Bengaluru, Congress MLA Ramesh Babu pointed out, "The Election Commission of India has a long-standing history, and for nearly 75 years, people have trusted it. However, BJP acting as a spokesperson for the Commission raises concerns. Karnataka has passed a resolution to conduct ballot-based elections in the upcoming local body polls, reflecting growing public demand for a ballot system."

BJP leaders from other states echoed the message of EVM credibility.

In Mumbai, Kirit Somaiya said, "In Kerala, local body elections using EVMs resulted in wins for both BJP and Congress, which Rahul Gandhi welcomed. Yet when elections are lost in Maharashtra, they blame EVMs. This is just an excuse." Agnimitra Paul remarked, "When they win in Jharkhand, Punjab, or Karnataka, EVMs are fine. But when they lose in Maharashtra, they claim it was rigged."

The Karnataka government survey and the KAMEA assessment have once again brought EVM credibility and voter awareness into focus, with parties sharply divided over their interpretation. While BJP leaders present the findings as a vindication of the machines, Congress leaders maintain that questions over electoral integrity and the role of supervising authorities remain unresolved.