Mumbai: Shiv Sena Demands Apologies from Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray Over EVM Misinformation

Mumbai, 17th June 2024: Following clarifications from an English daily regarding an erroneous report, the Shiv Sena led by CM Eknath Shinde is now demanding apologies from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray for spreading misinformation. This comes after the newspaper admitted its mistake in stating that a person used a mobile phone to generate an OTP to open Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Additionally, Sena MP Ravindra Waikar, whose relative was accused of accessing the phone at the Mumbai North West Constituency counting centre, has filed a complaint against Vilas Potnis from the Uddhav faction, alleging he brought an armed security guard to the centre.

Sanjay Nirupam, Shiv Sena Deputy Leader and Spokesperson, emphasized that since the newspaper had retracted the false news, those who falsely accused the Election Commission should also issue apologies. He questioned the credibility of claims about EVM hacking, stating, “If EVMs could be hacked, would the Congress win so many seats?”

During the June 4 Lok Sabha results announcement, Waikar won by just 48 votes, defeating Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Amol Gajanan Kirtikar in Mumbai North West. Notably, Waikar trailed in EVM votes but secured victory through postal ballots.

Reacting to the controversy, Kirtikar commented, “No action was taken against them despite complaints by the counting officer. The issue is not about whether EVMs were hacked but concerns regarding unfair practices, which we will challenge in the Supreme Court.”

The Mumbai Police have registered a case against Potnis and his security guard for unauthorized entry into the Mumbai North West counting centre at Nesco on June 4.

Previously, reports had circulated that “Sena candidate Waikar’s relative accessed the phone that received the OTP to unlock EVMs at the Mumbai North West Counting Centre on Lok Sabha results day.” As opposition voices criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI), the District Election Officer (DEO), Mumbai Suburban, confirmed unauthorized mobile phone use and filed a criminal case based on the Returning Officer’s report. However, the DEO clarified that EVMs do not use OTPs for unlocking, as they lack wireless communication and are non-programmable. The DEO denounced these reports as false and intended to create a misleading narrative.

The incident at the Mumbai North West Constituency Counting Centre involved the unauthorized use of a mobile belonging to an authorized person by a candidate’s assistant, explained the DEO, adding that Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) counts involve physical paper ballots, not electronic processes as inaccurately depicted.