EVMs Not Connected to Internet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, Says Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

Election Commission of India Reassures Public on EVM Security

On a recent two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar addressed concerns regarding the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), confirming that they are not connected to the internet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. This declaration was made during a session with students at Colvin Taluqdars’ College in Lucknow.

Kumar emphasized the transparency of elections in India, stating that the electoral process is conducted under the scrutiny of political parties and candidates. This includes systematic audits to ensure integrity and trust in the voting process. The CECs reassurances come amid ongoing debates and discussions about the reliability of EVMs, especially following allegations in past elections regarding potential vulnerabilities.

The CEC also announced a series of upcoming events aimed at educating students about the electoral process. These initiatives are designed to enhance civic engagement among youth and create awareness about the significance of participating in democracy.

For context, India has been employing EVMs in elections since 1998 as a measure to streamline the voting process and reduce electoral fraud. Despite controversies, the Election Commission has maintained that EVMs have proven to be secure and reliable over multiple election cycles.