In response to allegations concerning ‘varying EVM battery levels,’ Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has firmly stated that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are entirely “safe and robust.” He compared the batteries in EVMs to those in calculators, explaining that they are not like mobile phone batteries that require daily charging.
Three-Layer Security for EVMs
During a press conference, CEC Kumar elaborated on the security features of the EVMs, emphasizing that they are equipped with three layers of security, which includes the batteries. At each level, signatures from representatives of political parties are taken to ensure transparency. “People ask if pagers can be hacked, then why not EVMs? Pagers are connected devices, but EVMs are not,” he clarified. This explanation came while announcing the election dates for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assemblies.
He referred to Israel’s past hacking of pagers belonging to Hezbollah as an example but stressed that EVMs operate on a different, more secure system. EVMs use single-use batteries, with political party representatives signing off on them to confirm their integrity. “These batteries are like those in calculators, and one battery can last for around five years. When the machine is commissioned, the battery is installed, and even the battery is signed by party representatives,” Kumar added.
EVMs Are Sealed and Double-Locked
Further explaining the EVM security measures, Kumar pointed out that when the EVMs are sealed, they undergo a double-lock process, and there is three-layer security in place, including the presence of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and election observers. He assured that the entire process is videographed to maintain complete transparency. “On the day of polling, the same process is repeated, ensuring there is no room for tampering,” he said.
Kumar highlighted that this comprehensive system is a rare example of public disclosure and participation, urging critics to point out any other system as robust as this one.
Addressing Complaints About EVMs
The Congress party raised 20 complaints related to EVMs, which CEC Kumar promised would be addressed individually. He stated that the Election Commission of India (ECI) would respond to each complaint in detail, providing candidates with specific answers. “We have received about 20 complaints regarding EVMs, and we will respond to each one fact by fact. This is our responsibility, and we will publish our responses for everyone to see,” Kumar assured.
Congress Alleges Battery Level Discrepancies Affected Poll Results
The Congress party had previously alleged that varying EVM battery levels across polling stations in Haryana may have influenced the election outcome on October 8, 2024, when the BJP secured a third consecutive victory. According to Congress, the BJP won in polling stations where the EVMs showed a 99% battery charge, while Congress performed better on machines with lower battery levels.
Congress leader Pawan Khera highlighted the issue in an interview with ANI, stating, “We have submitted a list of 20 seats to the Election Commission, where our candidates reported concerns about EVM battery levels. It seems like a strange coincidence that Congress lost on machines with 99% battery charge, while we won on those showing 60-70% charge. Why did this happen?”
BJP Secures Victory Despite Anti-Incumbency
Despite facing 10 years of anti-incumbency, the BJP managed to secure 48 out of 90 seats in the Haryana Assembly, while Congress won 37 seats. Independents secured three seats, and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) won two seats. Congress’s concerns over the EVM battery levels came after they were unable to capitalize on the anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP government.
This controversy surrounding EVM battery levels has added a new layer to the post-election discussions, with the Congress party seeking further clarification from the Election Commission.