Kejriwal’s remarks have sparked a political backlash, with Union Minister Lalan Singh strongly criticizing the AAP leader. Singh dismissed the allegations, stating that Kejriwal is only making such claims because he anticipates defeat in the upcoming elections. He also pointed out the hypocrisy in questioning EVMs only when the opposition loses while accepting their credibility when they win.
This ongoing EVM controversy in Indian elections has reignited the larger debate on the credibility of the electoral process, with both AAP and BJP engaging in a fierce political battle.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Allegations on EVM Tampering
Addressing AAP supporters, Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of planning to manipulate EVMs to secure an advantage in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. According to Kejriwal, he has received inside information that suggests the possibility of 10% vote manipulation in favor of BJP.
To counter this alleged rigging, the Delhi CM urged voters to turn out in large numbers and vote for AAP in such overwhelming numbers that any attempted fraud would be ineffective. He emphasized the need for a massive voter turnout to ensure a fair and transparent election.
However, Kejriwal did not provide concrete evidence to support his claims, leading to sharp criticism from political opponents and election authorities.
Lalan Singh’s Counterattack: AAP Fears Election Defeat?
Responding to Kejriwal’s allegations, Union Minister Lalan Singh launched a scathing attack on the AAP leader. He claimed that Kejriwal has already accepted his party’s defeat in Delhi, which is why he is now making excuses in advance.
“Arvind Kejriwal seems to have realized that he and Manish Sisodia are losing the elections. That’s why they are now trying to create a narrative that questions the election process,” Lalan Singh remarked.
Singh further criticized Kejriwal’s selective questioning of EVM credibility, pointing out that when AAP or other opposition parties win, they accept the results without complaint, but when they lose, they blame the EVMs.
“When AAP wins in Punjab or Telangana, EVMs are fine. When BJP loses in Karnataka, EVMs are fine. But when BJP wins in Maharashtra or Haryana, suddenly EVMs become faulty?” Singh questioned.
He also reminded the public that it was the Congress party that introduced EVMs in the Indian electoral system, making it ironic that opposition parties now attack the same system. Singh labeled such allegations as an attempt to undermine democratic institutions and weaken public trust in the election process.
The Bigger Picture: EVM Controversy in Indian Politics
The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) controversy in India is not new. Over the years, multiple opposition parties, including Congress, AAP, and TMC, have raised concerns about the credibility of EVM-based elections, especially when they lose key states.
However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently maintained that EVMs are tamper-proof and that the voting process remains free and fair. EVMs have been used in India since 2000 and have undergone several upgrades to enhance security, including the introduction of VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail), which allows voters to verify their choices.
Despite these assurances, doubts persist, primarily because of lack of transparency in EVM software and concerns over possible external manipulation. Several opposition leaders have demanded a return to paper ballot voting, arguing that it ensures greater trust and transparency.
With the 2025 Delhi elections approaching, this debate is expected to intensify, with AAP making electoral transparency a key campaign issue.
Political Implications for Delhi Elections 2025
The EVM controversy could play a significant role in shaping public opinion ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections. While AAP has positioned itself as the champion of electoral integrity, BJP has dismissed these claims as preemptive excuses from a party fearing defeat.
Impact on AAP’s Election Strategy
- Mobilizing Voters – By questioning EVM credibility, AAP is encouraging higher voter turnout among its supporters.
- Blame Game – In case of defeat, AAP could use EVM tampering allegations as a justification.
- Building a Narrative – The party aims to project itself as a victim of political manipulation, which could garner public sympathy.
BJP’s Counter-Strategy
- Highlighting AAP’s Contradictions – BJP is focusing on AAP’s past electoral victories, arguing that the party accepts EVM results when it wins.
- Undermining Kejriwal’s Credibility – By painting Kejriwal as a leader making excuses, BJP hopes to weaken AAP’s support base.
- Projecting Confidence – BJP’s response suggests it is confident about its chances in Delhi, making the allegations seem baseless.
Final Thoughts: Will the EVM Debate Influence Delhi’s Voters?
As Delhi gears up for the 2025 Assembly Elections, the EVM controversy has added a new layer of political drama. While AAP continues to raise concerns over electoral transparency, BJP remains firm in its stance that EVMs are reliable and that Kejriwal’s allegations are a desperate attempt to cover up an impending loss.
For voters, the real question remains: Will the EVM debate affect their electoral decisions, or will they focus on governance, development, and leadership performance?
The battle for Delhi is heating up, and with each passing day, the political rhetoric surrounding EVMs, governance, and election credibility is expected to escalate further. As the election date approaches, it will be interesting to see how voters respond to these claims and counterclaims at the ballot box.