In a recent press conference, Vandana Suryavanshi, the returning officer of Mumbai North West Lok Sabha consistency, refuted a media report claiming that a relative of Shive Machine (EVM) was during the counting process. The report, published in a local newspaper, alleged that the mobile phone was connected to the EVM and was used to generate an OTP (Time Password) to unlock the device. However, Suryavanshi categorically denied these allegations, stating that the EVM is a standalone system that does not require an OTP to unlock it and that the report is a complete lie.
The controversy arose after an FIR was registered against Mangesh Pandiljar, the brother-in-law of Waikar, for allegedly carrying a mobile phone inside a counting center in Goregaon. The police investigation revealed that the mobile phone was found in the hands of an unauthorized person, and an FIR was also registered against Dinesh Gurav, pilling personnel, who was an Encore (Poll portal) operator with the Election Commission.
Suryavanshi emphasized that the EVMs used in the election are standalone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity with units outside the EVM system. She stated that the devices are designed with advanced technical features and robust administrative safeguards to prevent any possibility of manipulation. The safeguards include conducting the prevent any possibility of manipulation. The safeguards include conducting the counting process in the presence of candidates or their agents, and ensuring that every counting sheet is signed by all counting agents after due diligence.
The returning officer clarified that the counting of the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) is done in physical form (paper ballots) and not electronically, as some reports had claimed. She emphasized that the counting process is independent and has nothing to do with the unauthorized use of mobile phones, which is an unfortunate incident being probed.
The controversy has led to calls for a probe into the incident and demands for the poll result to stay. Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has demanded that the Election Commission of India call a meeting of all parties to discuss the issue thoroughly and that there must be a probe into the unauthorized use of the mobile phone.
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity and security of the electoral process. The use of EVMs has been a subject of controversy in the past, with some parties questioning their reliability and security. However, the Election Commission has consistently maintained that EVMs are secure and tamper-proof.
In this context, context, Suryavanshi’s statement that the EVMs are standalone systems without any wireless communication capabilities and do not require an OTP to unlock them is reassuring. The fact that the counting process is conducted in the presence of candidates or their agents and that every counting sheet is signed by all counting agents after due diligence further reinforces the integrity of the process.
The incident also underscores the need for strict adherence to the rules and regulations governing the electoral process. The unauthorized use of mobile phones inside a counting center is a serious violation of the rules and can compromise the integrity of the election. The police investigation and the filing of FIRs against those involved are a positive step in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
In conclusion, the Mumbai Poll official’s refutation of the media report on the mobile phone-EVM link is a welcome development. The clarification that EVMs,s are standalone systems without any wireless communication capabilities and do not require an OTP to unlock them is reassuring. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the integrity and security of the electoral process and the need for strict adherence to the rules and regulations governing the process.