EVM ‘hacking’: EC hits back

New Delhi, January 21

Terming the allegations of tampering and hacking of electronic voting machines (EVMs) levelled by an Indian seeking political asylum in the US as “motivated”, the Election Commission on Monday dismissed it, saying the machines are “foolproof”.

Maintaining that it did not want to become party to “this motivated slugfest”, the commission said: “These EVMs are manufactured in Bharat Electronics Limited and Electronics Corporation of Indian Limited under very strict supervisory and security conditions and there are rigorous standard operating procedures meticulously observed at all stages under the supervision of a committee of eminent technical experts constituted way back in 2010”.

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, on Monday claimed that the 2014 General Election was “rigged” through the EVMs, which, he said, could be hacked. He also said that he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members.

Hinting at possible future action in this case, the EC said, “It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter.”

Soon after Shuja’s press meet, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the Opposition would take up with the EC the claims made by the cyber expert that EVMs can be hacked. — TNS