EVM Hackathon: Andhra CM demands ECI to revert to paper ballot system

Hyderbad: Saying that electronic voting machines (EVMs) have turned out to be a big threat to democracy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday, demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seek opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system. 

Taking to Twitter, Naidu said: "EVM is turning out to be a big threat to democracy. It is worrying to know the claims made on the possibility of tampering EVMs. EC must seek opinion of all political parties and revert to the paper ballot system immediately." However, earlier on Monday, the ECI clarified that the EVMs can’t be tampered with, asserting that the machines are manufactured following “rigorous standard operating procedures.” 

The ECI’s statement came after it was claimed at an event in London, which was reportedly attended by Congress leader Kapil Sibal, that EVMs could be tampered with. The apex poll body also confirmed that they were examining the legal action that can be taken in the matter against the organisers of EVM Hackathon. 

Reacting to this, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Congress for casting doubt over the efficacy of EMVs, asking whether the ECI and its huge team were in collusion with the BJP for the elections held during the UPA government.