Standalone device, no OTP required

In the wake of recent revelations regarding the Mumbai Northwest Lok Sabha constituency, senior poll official Vandana Suryavanshi has denied claims of electronic voting machine (EVM) hacking. She emphasized that EVMs are stand-alone devices with no communication capabilities, dismissing allegations of manipulation.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Suryavanshi explained that voting machines operate independently and do not require one-time security features to operate. Her statements come in response to the controversy over a relative of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar, who allegedly used a mobile phone to access the EVM at the computing center. Despite opposition concerns over the security of EVMs, Suryavanshi assured the public about the integrity of the devices and stringent security measures.

Suryavanshi assured, “EVMs generate results at the push of a button and do not require one-time password,” referring to false reports doing the rounds about the voting process.

She further condemned media reports spreading disinformation, stating: “The newspaper is spreading a complete lie that some leaders are using to fabricate a false narrative.” The Election Commission took legal action against the newspaper under sections of the IPC for defamation and spreading false information.

Also read: Shiv Sena MP’s brother-in-law accused of using phone to unlock EVM

During the counting of votes, Suryavanshi confirmed that he strictly followed the protocols of the Election Commission, ensuring the presence of voters and counting staff throughout the process. She assured that technical conditions and administrative safeguards prevent any manipulation during the electoral process.

Suryavanshi confirmed that he had lodged an FIR in connection with the election official’s phone incident and said appropriate action would be taken.

In a closely contested election, Ravindra Waikar emerged victorious by a slim margin of 48 votes over Shiv Sena candidate Amol Sajanan Kirtikar. Initially, reports incorrectly indicated Kirtikar had won, before the Election Commission officially declared Waikar as the elected representative.

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