EVMs can't be hacked like pagers used for blasts: ECI chief Rajiv Kumar issues clarification

While announcing election dates for Maharashtra and Jharkhand, Chief Election Commisioner Rajiv Kumar claimed that EVMs cannot be hacked as they are not connected like pagers that were recently used for bomb blasts in Middle East.

"EVMs can't be hacked like pagers used for blasts. We are asked if EVMs can be hacked like pagers that were used in some regions. The difference is EVMS are not connected like pagers," ECI chief Rajiv Kumar said clarification

Allegations of Congress leader:

The CEC's remark comes after Rashid Alvi citing the example of Israel hacking pagers of militant outfit Hezbollah on Tuesday claimed that Electric Voting Machine's could be similarly manipulated. The Congress leader's remarks sparked a political debate, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tagging it as the grand old party's admission of defeat.

Speaking to ANI, Alvi said, "In Maharashtra, the opposition should put pressure to insist on voting by paper ballot and not EVMs. Otherwise, in Maharashtra, BJP govt and EC can do anything."

"If Israel can kill people by use of pagers and walkie-talkies, then where does EVM stand? The PM has very good relations with Israel. Israel is an expert in such things. EVM ka bada khel kahin bhi ho sakta hai aur uske liye BJP chunav se pehle yeh sab khel kar leti hai," Alvi said.

Voting dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand:

The assembly elections in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase on November 20 and the votes will be counted on November 23, the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar announced on Tuesday.

In Jharkhand, assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with results released on November 23.

The state has 81 seats, divided among 44 General, 9 SC, and 28 ST constituencies, and is home to approximately 2.6 crore registered voters, including a significant number of women, young voters, and first-time voters. Among these voters, there are 3.67 lakh persons with disabilities, along with centenarians and third-gender individuals.

The Jharkhand assembly will have 29,562 polling stations across 20,281 locations, ensuring accessibility for voters.