Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar explains why Indian EVMs are secure: “Not like a toaster or a calculator”

Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has sparked a heated debate with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk over the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Chandrasekhar, a BJP leader and former IT minister, defended the integrity of Indian EVMs, stating that they are not as vulnerable to hacking as Musk claims.

Chandrasekhar compared EVMs to a calculator or a toaster, emphasizing that they are simple devices that only count and store votes. He dismissed Musk’s assertion that all EVMs can be hacked, calling it “widely inaccurate” and “factually wrong.”

In response to Musk’s criticism, Chandrasekhar offered to give the tech mogul a tutorial on the robustness of Indian EVMs. Musk, however, maintained his stance that “anything can be hacked.”

The controversy has drawn the attention of Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, who cautioned Musk against meddling in India’s democracy. Deora also sought clarification from ChatGPT, a platform co-founded and funded by Musk, on the security of EVMs. The chatbot affirmed that Indian EVMs do not use SIM cards and operate independently without external connectivity, making them immune to remote hacking.

The clash between Chandrasekhar and Musk highlights the ongoing debate over the security of EVMs and the role of technology in elections. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how the issue will impact future electoral processes.

Published By: Akhilesh Nagari
Published On: Jun 17, 2024