Congress leader Rahul Gandhi voiced agreement with Elon Musk’s apprehensions regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), asserting that Indian EVMs are akin to a “black box” due to their lack of transparency. Musk had expressed concerns about the susceptibility of EVMs to hacking, echoing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s critique of irregularities in Puerto Rico’s elections.
Gandhi cited a specific incident involving a relative of Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Waikar allegedly using a connected phone during elections, raising doubts about the integrity of the electoral process. He emphasized that EVMs in India are not open to scrutiny, which he argued compromises democracy and invites fraudulent practices.
In response to Musk’s post on X, where the Tesla CEO advocated for eliminating EVMs due to security risks, Gandhi highlighted widespread apprehensions over the transparency of electoral processes in India. His comments garnered significant attention on social media, with thousands engaging in the discussion, expressing both agreement and dissent.
Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar countered Musk’s assertions, asserting that Indian EVMs are custom-designed, secure, and isolated from any external connectivity, thereby minimizing hacking risks. Chandrashekhar invited Musk to understand the technical aspects of Indian EVMs, emphasizing their robust security features.
The debate underscores ongoing concerns about the integrity of electoral systems globally and the technological safeguards necessary to ensure fair and transparent elections.
