National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has joined forces with Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to slam the INDIA bloc for allegedly making baseless claims about the hacking of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Abhishek Banerjee challenged the INDIA bloc to demonstrate how EVMs could be hacked, emphasizing transparency in the electoral process. He remarked, “The people who raise questions on EVMs, if they have anything substantial, should demonstrate it to the Election Commission. Random accusations won’t suffice.”
The debate gained momentum after Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee expressed interest in leading the opposition bloc, drawing mixed reactions from allies like Sharad Pawar and Lalu Prasad Yadav. Banerjee further argued that if proper protocols during EVM randomization and polling are followed, the possibility of corruption is negligible. “If someone still believes EVMs can be hacked, they should approach the Election Commission with proof instead of making random statements,” he added.
BJP’s Response
Union Minister and BJP leader Satish Chandra Dubey welcomed Abhishek Banerjee’s remarks, commending his acknowledgment of the truth, albeit delayed. Dubey pointed to the success of opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand as evidence of the reliability of EVMs.
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“The opposition’s wins in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand, where INDIA bloc members succeeded, are proof of EVMs’ genuineness. Congress remained silent about the machines during these victories but cried foul when results didn’t favor them. This selective outrage is unsustainable,” Dubey asserted.
Dubey criticized Congress for remaining inconsistent in its allegations, noting that such behavior undermines the credibility of the INDIA bloc.
Omar Abdullah Calls Out Congress
In alignment with BJP’s arguments, Omar Abdullah voiced similar criticism in the Lok Sabha, calling out Congress for its contradictory stance on EVMs.
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“When Congress wins over 100 seats in Parliament using the same EVMs, they celebrate the victory. But when results don’t favor them, they blame the machines. Such inconsistency is hypocritical,” Abdullah said.
He further added, “One day voters choose you, the next day they don’t. That’s democracy. I’ve never blamed the machines for any loss.”
Opposition’s Retaliation
Congress MP B Manickam Tagore swiftly responded to Omar Abdullah’s statements on social media, tagging him on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter):
“It’s the Samajwadi Party, NCP, and Shiv Sena UBT that have raised questions about EVMs. The Congress CWC resolution addresses the Election Commission only. Please check your facts, CM @OmarAbdullah. Why this approach towards allies after being CM?”
The INDIA bloc, an alliance of opposition parties, continues to grapple with internal discord over the EVM debate, highlighting the challenges in maintaining a united front against the BJP.
