Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18 June. We’ve recently seen how the Western media reacted to Modi’s victory, as well as how certain governments assisted huge corporations in spreading falsehoods about him. Why is there so much fear and envy over Bharat’s progress?
Especially within the nation, there are numerous voices critical of the Bharatiya system. Initially, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress charged the BJP of sabotaging EVMs. Nevertheless, after the BJP scored well in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress did not question the EVMs’ integrity. Now, as PM Modi commences his third term, Congress’ infantile cry has reappeared.
Recently, Elon Musk, the renowned entrepreneur behind companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has once again found himself at the center of a technological debate, this time in Bharat. His comments on the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have ignited a national conversation on the integrity of Bharat’s electoral process.
Background on EVMs in Bharat
Electronic Voting Machines have been used in Bharat since the 1990s to streamline the voting process and reduce the chances of electoral fraud associated with paper ballots. Despite their widespread use and the Election Commission of India’s assurances of their robustness, EVMs have frequently been a subject of controversy and skepticism among political parties and the public.
Elon Musk’s Comments
Elon Musk, known for his outspoken nature on social media, recently tweeted about the potential vulnerabilities of EVMs. Musk, citing concerns voiced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlighted potential flaws in EVMs, implying a possibility of hacking, either by humans or AI. Drawing parallels with cybersecurity challenges faced by high-tech industries, Musk suggested that EVMs could be susceptible to hacking and manipulation. He highlighted the importance of transparency and advanced security measures to protect the democratic process.
Reactions from Bharatiya Authorities and Public
Musk’s comments were met with mixed reactions in Bharat. The Election Commission of India (ECI) quickly responded, reiterating the security protocols in place for EVMs. Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar quickly challenged Musk’s claim, underlining the strength of Bharatiya EVMs. He emphasized that these devices are custom-built, providing security by separating them from any network or media. Chandrasekhar said that Bharatiya EVMs lack connectivity options like as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and internet access, which reduces external manipulation threats.
He emphasized that EVMs are standalone devices, not connected to the internet, thus significantly reducing the risk of remote hacking. The ECI also pointed out the various layers of security, including pre- and post-poll checks, mock polls, and strict custody protocols.
Political parties and public opinion were more divided. Some opposition parties seized upon Musk’s remarks to renew their calls for a review and potential overhaul of the EVM system. They argued that even the perception of vulnerability could undermine public trust in the electoral process. On the other hand, supporters of the current system accused Musk of being uninformed about the specificities of Bharatiya EVMs and politicizing the issue.
Expert Opinions
Cyber-security experts in Bharat and abroad weighed in on the debate. Some supported Musk’s concerns, noting that no electronic system is entirely fool proof. They advocated for continuous improvements in EVM technology, including the possible adoption of block-chain technology to ensure greater transparency and security.
Others defended the existing system, citing the lack of concrete evidence of EVM tampering in Bharatiya elections. They stressed that while vigilance is necessary, the current framework, combined with the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system, provides a robust defense against potential fraud.
Opposition Leaders’ Perspectives
In response, prominent opposition politicians such as Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav expressed long-held concerns about the transparency and dependability of EVMs used in Bharat. Gandhi characterized EVMs as a ‘black box’ that lacks proper monitoring, raising concerns about the electoral process’s openness and accountability.
EVM Security
While accepting Musk’s belief that “anything can be hacked,” Chandrasekhar highlighted that the emphasis should be on distinguishing between theoretical vulnerabilities and practical security solutions applied in Bharatiya EVMs. He emphasized that, while technical improvements have the potential to compromise any digital system, the design and architecture of Bharatiya EVMs prioritize security and reliability over other worldwide practices.
Call for Transparency
Several opposition leaders reiterated calls for a return to paper ballots, citing worldwide concerns and the apparent vulnerability of EVMs to tampering. They advocated for scientific analysis of EVMs by independent specialists overseen by Parliament in order to fully address public concerns.
Are there no vulnerabilities in paper ballots? Everyone remembers a time when booth capture, ballot box stuffing, and tampering during transit and counting were frequent. It is completely understandable that politicians from some parties are striving to return to the vote paper technique, despite its flaws, and are hesitant to embrace EVMs and their authenticity.
Public Perception and the Election Commission’s Stand
While the Election Commission of India has not replied directly to Musk’s remarks, local officials in Mumbai have denied accusations of attempted EVM hacking. In 2017, the Commission invited political parties to show hacking capabilities, but only a few participated, indicating persistent concerns and the need for greater consensus on EVM security.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s comments on EVM security in Bharat have stirred a significant debate, highlighting both the strengths and perceived weaknesses of the current electoral system. While the Bharatiya authorities maintain confidence in their processes, the discourse underscores the necessity for continual vigilance and enhancement of electoral security to uphold public trust in democracy. As technology evolves, so too must the systems that underpin democratic processes, ensuring they remain secure, transparent, and resilient against emerging threats. While Bharat has adopted precautions such as paper trails, concerns remain, necessitating ongoing oversight and transparency improvements to maintain voting integrity.
The intensive examination of Bharat’s voting system, notably EVMs, reflects global concern and suspicion about Modi’s triumphs. Recent Western media reactions and support for disinformation highlight anxieties and envy of Bharat’s rise. Even in Bharat, the controversy continues, despite efforts to improve EVM security and transparency.
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