Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Chhattisgarh has dismissed allegations made by the Congress party regarding discrepancies in the numbers of stored Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) units. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had raised concerns on social media, but the CEO asserted that these claims were not based on facts.CEOs ClarificationIn response to the accusations, the CEO stated, The alleged mismatch in EVM numbers shared with the INC candidate of Rajnandgaon PC is not based on facts. The EVMs used during polls are exactly according to the list of machines shared by the Returning Officer after randomisation with contesting candidates. This statement was posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.The alleged mismatch in EVMs number shared with the INC candidate of Rajnandgaon PC, is not based on facts.The EVMs used during polls are exactly according to the list of machines shared by Returning Officer after randomization with contesting candidates. @ECISVEEP1/4 https://t.co/4DWpHRcUOE pic.twitter.com/vE5HJkPAaj— Chief Electoral Officer, Chhattisgarh (@CEOChhattisgarh) June 3, 2024Bhupesh Baghels AllegationsBhupesh Baghel, in a detailed post on X, claimed discrepancies in the EVM numbers recorded in Form 17C after voting in his constituency, Rajnandgaon. He highlighted that the numbers of several machines had changed, potentially affecting thousands of votes. Baghel stated, Similar complaints have been received from many other Lok Sabha constituencies. We are complaining to the State Election Officer.Jairam Ramesh supported Baghels claims, sharing his post and commenting, This matter is being raised immediately before the Election Commission. It is hoped that the Election Commission will take action quickly.चुनाव आयोग ने चुनाव में प्रयुक्त होने वाली मशीनों के नंबर दिए थे। इसमें बैलेट यूनिट, कंट्रोल यूनिट और वीवीपैट शामिल है।मेरे चुनाव क्षेत्र राजनादगांव मतदान के बाद फ़ॉर्म 17सी में जो जानकारी दी गई है‌ उसके अनुसार बहुत सी मशीनों के नंबर बदल गए हैं। जिन बूथों पर नंबर बदले हैं उससे… pic.twitter.com/HREvbld7By— Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) June 3, 2024Previous Allegations and ResponsesJairam Ramesh had earlier faced a rebuff from the Election Commission for alleging that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had intimidated 150 district officers. Ramesh was asked to provide evidence by 7 PM, but the poll body refused to grant him additional time.BJPs ReactionThe BJP has often mocked the Oppositions complaints about EVMs, suggesting that it is their go-to explanation for electoral defeats. They note that the Opposition only questions EVM integrity when they lose, not when they win.Supreme Courts Stand on EVMsThe Supreme Court has consistently supported the use of EVMs, rejecting calls for a return to ballot papers. This endorsement came during the election period, reinforcing the credibility of EVMs in the electoral process.Concerns Over EVM SecurityThe Opposition has also raised concerns about the security of EVM storage units. For instance, Supriya Sule alleged that CCTV cameras at an EVM strongroom in Maharashtra were switched off for about 45 minutes. However, the Returning Officer for the constituency clarified that only the display was temporarily closed, without providing further details.As the final phase of voting approaches, these allegations and clarifications continue to fuel debates over the integrity and security of the electoral process. It remains to be seen how these issues will impact the publics trust in the system and the final election outcomes.
