INDIA bloc ally TMC dismisses EVM manipulation claims, cites lack of evidence
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Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee downplayed allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) manipulation raised by Opposition leaders, stating that there was no substantial evidence to support such claims. His comments follow recent remarks by National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, who suggested that allegations of EVM manipulation cannot arise selectively when results do not favour a particular party.
Banerjee’s statement comes amidst heightened scrutiny of EVMs by several Opposition parties, particularly in light of the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections. The elections saw the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena group, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party faction, securing a decisive victory with 230 seats in the 288-member Assembly.
The Opposition’s Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, managed to win only 46 seats.
Amid growing discontent, Opposition parties have announced plans to approach the Supreme Court to address their concerns over the alleged manipulation of EVMs. Banerjee suggested that those raising questions on EVM credibility should provide demonstrations of the discrepancies to the Election Commission.
He highlighted the importance of proper monitoring during key processes such as EVM randomisation, mock polls, and vote counting through Form 17C, which records the performance of ballot and control units.
National Conference leader Abdullah’s remarks drew attention to inconsistencies in the Opposition’s stance on EVMs. He pointed out that some parties celebrated their victories in elections conducted with the same machines while raising doubts when results turned unfavourable.
In response, Congress clarified that it had not raised allegations against EVMs. Instead, the party claimed that concerns were voiced by allies such as the Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party. Congress leader Manickam Tagore reiterated that the party’s resolution on the matter had specifically addressed the Election Commission of India.
The discussion around EVMs also takes place against the backdrop of leadership deliberations within the INDIA bloc. Recently, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indicated her willingness to lead the alliance if given the opportunity, a position subsequently endorsed by Sharad Pawar. The evolving dynamics within the Opposition alliance reflect broader political shifts as parties strategise ahead of upcoming elections.
Banerjee’s position on the EVM controversy underscores the internal differences within the Opposition bloc. While some allies push for legal and political action, others, like the Trinamool Congress, have called for tangible demonstrations to validate the claims. This divergence highlights the challenges faced by the Opposition as they attempt to present a united front on issues of electoral integrity.