'No OTP for unlocking EVM, candidate's aide used ...': ECI breaks silence on Mumbai EVM controversy
Pertaining to the ongoing controversy surrounding India's Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a detailed statement addressing the allegations of tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The controversy began when Mangesh Pandilkar, the brother-in-law of newly elected MP Ravindra Waikar, was accused of using a mobile phone to 'unlock' an EVM at the counting centre on June 4.
The ECI clarified the situation while stating that the incidence is not about unlocking the EVM but is rather about "unauthorisedly" using mobile phone of an "authorised" person by a candidate's aide.
"Criminal case has already been filed by the Returning Officer. There is no OTP (One Time Password) on mobile for unlocking EVM as it is non-programmable and it has no wireless communication capabilities," the election body added.
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Notably, the Mid-day report suggested that Pandilkar's mobile phone was connected to the EVM, a claim that led to widespread speculation and concerns.
However, the ECI dispelled these claims and reaffirmed the security measures in place for EVMs.
Addressing the claims of EVM manipulation in the Mid-day report, the ECI noted, "It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper, which is being used by some leaders to create false narratives. EVMs are standalone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity with units outside the EVM system. Advanced technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation."
EC announced that legal action was being taken against the newspaper spreading these rumors.
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While mentioning that safeguards during counting were in place, ECI said "RO is proceeding against Mid-day newspaper for spreading rumours maligning Indian voters and the electoral system."
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Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi commented on the returning officer's comments.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said, "Madam Returning Officer is implicating the election office further rather than bring transparency. Many more questions arise from Vandana Suryawanshi ji's conference rather than get answers regarding the process for Mumbai North West election result."
The controversy has also brought to light the narrow margin by which Ravindra Waikar won the election, defeating Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Amol Kirtikar by just 48 votes.
(With inputs from agencies)