Is the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) apprehensive over the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs) ahead of the crucial 2024 elections? These questions have cropped up after BJD Minister Ranendra Pratap questioned the integrity of EVMs while attending a programme in Puri.
While attending a golden jubilee function of a school at Gop block of the district, Swain raised questions on the trustworthiness of the EVMs.
“If the rover landing on the moon can be controlled via a remote, why can’t EVMs be controlled by remotes? Whatever votes polled between 8 am to 12 noon will be correct and the votes given to one, goes to the other after 12,” said Swain while speaking at the event.
Swain further said, “Bangladesh has even banned the EVMs. But they are being used in our country. The elders and intellectuals need to think over it.”
However, Swain evaded the reporters who tried to seek his comment on the matter after the event.
The statements of the senior BJD leader and Minister have elicited sharp reactions from the opposition. Responding to Swain’s statements, Odisha BJP vice-president, Biranchi Tripathy said, “Be it BJD or Ranendra Pratap Swain, they have been in power after winning the polls on EVMs. Do they want to say that their party had won by controlling the EVMs on remote?”
According to Tripathy, there is growing resentment against BJD and Swain. Hence, such statements show fear and such statements are being made fearing defeat in the upcoming polls.
“There has been no development in Odisha. BJD is sensing its defeat and trying to escape by blaming EVM,” Tripathy added.
(By Sanjay Pati, OTV reporter, Konark)