'Adhuri Hasraton Ka Ilzaam…': CEC Rajiv Kumar’s Poetic Retort To EVM Tampering Claims

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Saturday took the help of Shayari (poetry) to slam accusations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering made by some political parties.

CEC Kumar, while addressing a press conference in Delhi to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha election and assembly polls, said he had anticipated a question on EVM tampering and had written a few lines to express his views on the matter. He added that EVMs were 100% safe.

“Adhoori hasrato ka iljaam, har baar hum par lagan thik nhi, wafa khud se nhi hoti, khata EVM ki kehete ho, aur baad mein jab parinaam aata hai toh uspe kaayam bhi nhi rehte (Blaming your incomplete desires on us (EVMs) every time isn’t right. You cannot guarantee faithfulness, but you keep blaming EVMs. Later, when the result comes, you don’t even accept that),” he said.

The CEC further urged people to combat fake news and use social media judiciously during the elections. He said, “Verify Before You Amplify” is the mantra to combat fake news. Let’s rely on authoritative sources to ensure accurate information prevails. Stay vigilant and help us maintain the integrity of the electoral process.”

“Jhuth ke bazaar mein raunak to bahut hai, Goya bulbule jaisi turant hi fat jati hai..Pakad bhi loge to kya hasil hoga siwaye dhokhe ke ( In the marketplace of lies, there’s much brightness. Just like bubbles burst instantly, even if you catch hold, what will you gain except deception),” he said.

The election body also announced regulations and guidelines to tackle misinformation and fake news. CEC Kumar said, “We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We’re proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news to be dealt with severely as per extant laws.”

“Verify Before You Amplify” is the mantra to combat fake news. Let’s rely on authoritative sources to ensure accurate information prevails. Stay vigilant and help us maintain the integrity of the electoral process,” he added.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea alleging irregularities in the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), saying every method has its plus and minus points. The top court also dismissed another petition which claimed 19 lakh EVMs “missing” from the custody of the Election Commission during 2016-19 may be used to manipulate the results of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih said the apex court has already examined several petitions and dealt with various issues related to the functioning of EVMs. “How many petitions shall we entertain? Recently, we have dealt with a plea related to VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail). We cannot go by assumptions. Every method has its plus and minus points. Sorry, we cannot entertain this under Article 32,” the bench told petitioner Nandini Sharma, who appeared in person.

Meanwhile, a bench headed by Justice BR Gavai dismissed another petition filed by the Indian New Congress Party (INCP). The separate plea of INCP claimed that 19 lakh EVMs “missing” from the custody of the poll panel could be used to manipulate the results of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases beginning on April 19 and results will be announced on June 4.