In solidarity with the nationwide ‘EVM Hatao, Desh Bachao Movement’, which seeks to abolish electronic voting machines (EVMs) and switch back to paper ballots, some Supreme Court (SC) lawyers are mobilising people’s support in Goa.
Armed with RTI information, SC lawyer and activist Bhanu Pratap Singh, at a programme at the Lohia Maidan in Margao, said that EVMs and voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) are not verified and certified by any authenticated, recognised institution of India or any international institution.
He also said that 98 per cent of voters in the country are unaware about it due to lack of seriousness in voting. Expressing doubts on EVMs, the lawyers strongly demanded ballot paper voting and that they would fight for it vigorously in all circumstances.
In the 43 minutes speech, Singh said that the BJP, which was opposing the voting on EVMs in 2014, is now in its favour.
“The Election Commission of India (ECI) needs to be independent and therefore, he cannot be given any post after his retirement. Independence of ECI is currently lacking,” said Singh.
Criticising the Goa government for closure of schools in Margao and Fatorda in view of the PM’s visit, Singh said the government has failed to protect the interests of the common man.
Earlier, at an awareness programme in Vasco, it was alleged that the central government was fraudulently winning elections by hacking the EVMs.
“The companies that produce these EVMs have four out of seven directors who are BJP men. That means that the Modi government is producing the EVMs, conducting the elections and winning them. When everything is being done by them, they have a chance to manipulate things,” said Singh.
Singh said those who want to voice opposition to the EVMs and support the ballot system should give a missed call on 9667722062.
Under the banner of ‘Goans against EVM’, an awareness meeting was also held at Mapusa taxi stand on Friday evening.
The meet demanded that paper ballots should be used for upcoming Lok Sabha election instead of EVM machine to restore transparency and accountability in elections.
The awareness meet attended by around 200 people was addressed by senior Supreme Court lawyer Bhanu Pratap Singh, D C Kapil and others.
They spoke about the election process and gave a demo of EVM machine allegedly showing how it can be manipulated.
Singh said, «It is the right of every voter to physically confirm that the vote goes to his candidate only and to have fair election there is need to have ballot elections paper.”
He further said that on February 5 there will be big disclosure made and police complaint will be filed against Election Commissioner, district collectors and other officials for fooling people.
