A European Commission official in Mumbai denies claims of EVM hack

A senior Election Commission official on Sunday rejected allegations of the electronic voting machine hacking controversy, saying the EVM is a standalone system with no programming or wireless communication capabilities and no one-time password (OTP) is required to unlock the mobile device.

Vandana Suryavanshi, returning officer from the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, has issued a clarification after a daily report alleged that a relative of Ravindra Waikar, the Shiv Sena candidate who won by just 48 votes, used a mobile phone connected to the EVM during counting Lok Sabha elections scheduled for June 4.

There were claims that the phone was used to unlock the EVM. Opposition leaders, citing the report, alleged EVM hacking.

“There is no OTP on the mobile phone to unlock the EVM as it cannot be programmed and has no wireless communication capability. This is a complete lie being spread by the newspaper which is being used by some leaders to create a false narrative,” the Mumbai Suburban District Election Officer said in a statement, according to ANI.

“EVMs are stand-alone devices that have no wired or wireless connectivity to units outside the EVM system. Advanced technical features and solid administrative security exclude any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include everything being carried out in the presence of candidates or their agents.” – statement added.