Jammu, Dec 16: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Executive Member Raman Suri on Monday criticised the Congress for “perpetuating a false narrative” against Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Suri in a statement issued here said India’s electoral system, under the guidance of the Election Commission of India (ECI), is a global benchmark for conducting free, fair and transparent elections. He urged Congress to introspect on its repeated electoral failures instead of venting frustration on EVMs or blaming the government.
Highlighting the advancements made by India in electoral technology, the BJP leader said, “The use of EVMs has eliminated the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities of paper ballot systems, ensuring quicker, cleaner, and more accurate election processes. Our nation is far ahead of many democracies in this regard, where archaic systems like ballot papers still lead to controversies and delays.”
He further sid that EVMs have withstood rigorous scrutiny and legal challenges, proving their reliability time and again.
Suri pointed to the recent statement by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who dismissed Congress’s objections to EVMs.
He said Abdullah had rightly pointed out the inconsistency in Congress’s stance, saying, “You can’t celebrate victory using EVMs in one election and then cry foul when the results don’t favour you in another.” Echoing this sentiment, Suri said, “The Congress must understand that blaming EVMs is a poor excuse for its own failures. The machines don’t change; it’s the people’s mandate that does. It’s time Congress stops misleading the public and focuses on introspection.”
Taking a strong stand, the BJP leader called on Congress to appreciate the efforts of the Election Commission of India, which has consistently delivered impartial elections across the nation without any bias. “The ECI’s exemplary work has strengthened India’s democracy and earned global recognition. Instead of maligning such an institution, the Congress should be proud of how India has modernized its electoral process,” he asserted.
Suri advised Congress to engage in constructive politics and respect the democratic verdict of the people. “The failure lies within Congress, not in the EVMs. With leaders like Omar Abdullah pointing out its double standards, Congress should cease its baseless allegations and channel its energy toward rebuilding its political credibility,” he said.
