Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee delegation meets Rahul Gandhi; raises EVM issue

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) delegation, which met former AICC president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday reportedly raised the issue of EVMs.
In a press release, NPCC president K Therie said that Rahul Gandhi assured to take up the issue with the appropriate authorities.
He said that NPCC delegation also appraised Gandhi that the two states run EVM manufacturing companies were “under the thumb of BJP.”
Therie said NPCC moved for removal of the EVM system of election and for use of the ballot paper system. Stating that crowds did not betray election results in the past, NPCC president, however, said that in recent times, crowds no longer matter. “Issues also do not matter. It is only money and EVMs that win,” Therie claimed.
NPCC president said that the nation was also aware that almost 19 lakh EVMS were missing. “EVMs are not businesses or food. However, these missing EVMs are found in BJP leaders’ houses, cars, trucks, etc.,” Therie said and alleged that the purpose was to change EVM control units and to tamper with the EVMs. He said EVMs have derailed democratic election.
Further, Therie described as “a betrayal” the ECI’s argument that EVMs were tamperproof and cannot be overwritten. He contended that mock demonstration itself was a proof that EVMs could be removed or reused.
“EVM engineers are appointed by the EVM companies for all returning officers’ offices.
They come three times before Counting. Firstly, 45 days before elections, to set the EVMs. Secondly, during filing of nominations to set Candidates’ names and symbols. EVM numbers are also declared for all polling stations. Lastly, they come 10 days before counting and stay till counting. They release EVMs from strong rooms with magistrates,” Therie said.
Stating that those engineers were company engineers, NPCC chief said they know all the codes as they own the software. “Some claim these EVM engineers are also BJP Bhakts. As such, EVM manipulation is possible,” he claimed.
He said NPCC also suggested ‘one day polling’ with counting on the same day, stop appointing EVM engineers and rather, take up training of officers. He said NPCC would not give up till the trust in democratic elections was restored.