CEC Rajiv Kumar Dismisses Congress’ EVM Tampering Claims, Clarifies Battery Functionality in Haryana Elections
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday dismissed claims made by Congress leaders regarding alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in Haryana, where they suggested that EVMs with varying battery strengths produced different results. Congress leaders had raised concerns about the battery levels in EVMs affecting the outcome, particularly noting that units with 99% battery strength favored the BJP, while those with 60-70% battery strength saw Congress victories.
Addressing these allegations, CEC Kumar stated that this was a novel claim, unlike earlier accusations of hacking. He reassured the public that EVMs undergo a strict process of commissioning around six days prior to election day, during which the machines are tested, and new batteries are installed in the presence of candidates or their authorized agents, who also sign off on the process. This rule, which was established long ago, is now proving beneficial in addressing the current concerns. He emphasized that the battery installation, like the EVMs themselves, is conducted transparently, with the signatures of the candidates to ensure integrity.
Kumar also tackled comparisons made between the hackability of pagers and EVMs, noting that unlike pagers, which can be connected to a network, EVMs are standalone devices and therefore not susceptible to hacking through remote means. He referenced a historical incident where pagers sold to Hezbollah and Lebanese officials were rigged with explosives in an attack, contrasting it with the secure and network-free nature of EVMs.
CEC Kumar further clarified the technical aspects of the battery’s role in EVMs. He explained that EVM control units use new batteries, which initially operate at a voltage of 7.5 to 8 volts, displaying a capacity of 99%. Over time, as the machines are used, the voltage and battery capacity decrease. However, the control units remain fully functional as long as the battery maintains a voltage above 5.8 volts. He compared this system to a vehicle running on reserve fuel, where the battery replacement warning only appears when the capacity drops below 10%.
Responding to the Congress’ allegations, Kumar assured the public that the Election Commission had received 20 complaints related to EVMs in the recent Haryana assembly elections and that each complaint would be addressed in detail, with the responses made available to the public. Additionally, the Election Commission plans to release a detailed FAQ to clarify any lingering concerns about EVM reliability and the role of batteries in their operation.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had previously described the battery discrepancies as a “conspiracy,” accusing the varying battery levels of influencing the election outcome. However, the CEC’s detailed technical explanation of how EVM batteries function and the Election Commission’s commitment to transparency aim to dispel such claims.
Kumar also pointed out the stark difference between EVMs and other electronic devices that can be hacked or tampered with, such as pagers, which were used in an attack by Hezbollah. He explained that EVMs are not connected to any network, making them immune to hacking attempts.
The Congress party had earlier raised concerns after receiving complaints from Hisar, Mahendragarh, and Panipat, claiming that EVMs with 99% battery capacity yielded results favoring the BJP, while machines with lower battery levels saw Congress victories. Jairam Ramesh, a Congress general secretary, had called the situation a conspiracy. However, the CEC responded by reiterating the robust security measures in place during elections, including battery monitoring, sealing, and oversight by election agents.
Kumar assured that the Election Commission would provide a detailed response to the 20 complaints received about EVMs during the Haryana elections, and the commission plans to release an FAQ to address any lingering concerns among stakeholders. The CEC’s statements underscore the Commission’s commitment to maintaining transparency and trust in the electoral process, particularly with regard to the security and functionality of EVMs.