‘These are not the real issues’: Digvijaya Singh slams the BJP discussing mangalsutra, machhli, and Muslims
The Hindu
Digvijaya Singh, former MP CM and the Congress’ candidate in Rajgarh, criticizes EVMs, questions electoral integrity, challenges BJP and PM Modi.
Rajgarh
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh is in the election fray from the Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh Lok Sabha constituency, his home turf, after over 30 years.
Mr. Singh has been a vocal critic of conducting elections using electronic voting machines (EVMs) and has raised several questions about the process. He even blamed the Congress’ defeat in the 2023 State Assembly elections on the EVMs. The Supreme Court, recently in a judgement, upheld the EVM polling system and underscored the need to “exercise care and caution” when raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
In an interview with The Hindu, the 77-year-old Congress veteran says that while he is yet to study the Supreme Court’s verdict, the Election Commission of India has not answered the basic questions concerning the EVMs and its software. “The whole issue is that the chances of manipulation through the software is very likely and can’t be ruled out. This by itself disturbs the whole mandate of the people,” Mr. Singh said. He also hit out at the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over issues like mangalsutra, machhli (fish), meat, Muslims.
Excerpts:
Chief Electoral Officer tells officials to ensure round-the-clock security at AUCE strongroom in Vizag. Adhere to the Election Commission of India guidelines in this regard, and never allow any unauthorised persons near the area, says Mukesh Kumar Meena. He directs the Collector to ensure three-layer security at the strongrooms and continuously monitor it.