Congress Raises Allegations of ‘Conspiracy’ in Haryana Elections: Understanding EVM Functionality
The recent outcome of the Haryana Assembly elections has sparked significant controversy, particularly with allegations from the Congress party suggesting a potential “conspiracy” related to the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). These claims have ignited debates about the integrity of the electoral process and the technology that underpins it.
Allegations by Congress
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of communications, has been vocal about the party’s concerns. During a recent press conference, he pointed out a troubling trend that some candidates observed: in constituencies where the EVMs indicated a 99% battery charge, the Congress party experienced losses. Conversely, in areas where the battery levels were between 60% and 70%, Congress achieved victories. This striking pattern has led the party to question the reliability of the EVMs used in the election.
Ramesh mentioned that the party has received serious complaints about the counting process from at least three districts, affecting approximately 10 to 12 assembly constituencies. He expressed his hope that the Election Commission of India (ECI) would allow Congress to present these complaints formally in the near future. However, the party has not yet provided detailed explanations regarding the alleged “conspiracy” or clarified the correlation it believes exists between battery levels and election outcomes. Notably, prominent Congress leaders in Haryana, such as Bhupinder Hooda and Kumari Selja, have accepted their party’s defeat, which raises questions about the allegations made by the party’s central leadership.
Also Read: Truck Accident Attorney Dallas TX: Your Legal Shield After a Collision on Texan Roads
EVM Battery Functionality
To better understand the Congress party’s claims, it is essential to examine how the batteries in EVMs operate. Unlike traditional voting methods, EVMs utilize alkaline batteries instead of relying on a continuous electricity supply, enabling their use in areas with unreliable power. The control unit (CU) of the EVM operates on a power pack that typically delivers 7.5 to 8 volts, while the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) unit uses a separate power pack rated at 22.5 volts.
The batteries used in EVMs are manufactured by two public sector undertakings: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL). The ECI provides detailed information regarding battery monitoring on its official website. It states that the power status of the CU and VVPAT is regularly checked, displaying status updates such as “High,” “Medium,” “Low,” “Marginal,” and “Change Battery,” accompanied by the percentage of battery life remaining. When the “Change Battery” status appears, the batteries are replaced using reserve packs maintained by Sector Officers.
Typically, a new battery is expected to last for the entire election and counting process. The ECI’s sources note that the display unit indicates a 99% charge as long as the battery voltage remains between 7.4 and 8 volts. If the voltage drops below 7.4 volts, the display will reflect the actual charge percentage. Once it reaches 5.8 volts, an indication to change the battery appears.
Battery longevity depends on various factors, including the number of votes cast during mock polling, the frequency of total counts using the ‘total’ button, and the overall volume of votes cast during the election.
Battery Replacement Procedures
The procedures for battery replacement in EVMs are strictly regulated. A new battery is installed during the first-level checking phase before an election, with political parties being notified in advance. Representatives from these parties are allowed to observe this process. On polling day, a mock poll is conducted before voters enter polling stations, again under the watchful eye of polling agents representing the candidates.
Also Read: Dallas Truck Accident Law Firm: Navigating Complex Legal Terrain
If the battery level dips significantly during the voting process, necessitating a replacement, this is done in the presence of polling agents. The EVM Manual issued by the ECI specifies that if the control unit’s power pack is not functioning properly or indicates low battery levels, it must be replaced in the presence of polling agents and sector officers. After the replacement, the battery compartment of the control unit is resealed, and polling agents’ signatures are collected as a record of the procedure.
At the close of polling, the presiding officer at each station must submit a report to the ECI, detailing any battery replacements made during the election. This report includes the unique ID of the control unit, the reason for the replacement, and the signatures of the polling agents present during the replacement.
ECI’s Response
To date, the ECI has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations from the Congress party. However, sources within the ECI indicated that no complaints regarding EVM battery issues were received from candidates or polling agents during the election process. Earlier in the day, Congress submitted a letter to the ECI, claiming that updates on election results on the ECI’s website were delayed—a claim that the ECI rejected as “ill-founded.”
Broader Context of EVM Controversies
The allegations made by the Congress party are part of a long-standing discourse regarding the reliability of EVMs in India. Over the years, numerous political parties have raised concerns about the functionality and integrity of these machines. For example, following their losses in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh questioned the EVMs. Similarly, both the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party expressed skepticism regarding EVM reliability after the BJP’s success in the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Despite the recurring doubts, the ECI has consistently defended the integrity of EVMs. It has pointed out that multiple legal challenges aimed at demonstrating EVM manipulation have failed to provide substantive evidence. Most recently, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea advocating for a return to paper ballots or a complete recount of VVPAT slips, reinforcing the ECI’s position on the reliability of EVMs in the electoral process.
Conclusion
The Congress party’s allegations concerning the EVMs in the Haryana elections reflect the ongoing tensions within Indian politics surrounding electoral integrity. The party’s insistence on pursuing these allegations with the ECI underscores its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the electoral process. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the discussion surrounding EVMs and their role in safeguarding democracy remains a critical and contentious issue. The outcome of this situation could have lasting implications for public trust in electoral systems and the overall democratic process in India.