100 pc chances for hacking EVMs, says Chandrababu Naidu
Amaravati, Jan 26: Claiming that there were 100 per cent chances for hacking Electronic Voting Machines, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Saturday warned that democracy could not be sacrificed to hackers.
He demanded that the Election Commission of India either ensure VVPAT receipts were issued 100 per cent or revert to the old ballot paper system.
Addressing a meeting of Telugu Desam Party MPs here, he noted that anybody could misuse technology.
"It's easy to misuse technology. It is particularly easy for the one who writes the (software) programme.
The Election Commission is only a referee. It should not enforce a system on which there is no trust," the TDP chief remarked.
Stating that people were the main partners in elections, he said enhancing faith in the people was democracy.
"Political parties are only raising the people's demand.
Many parties are opposed to the EVMs.
Even developed countries have not been using EVMs and hence the EC should not exert pressure on using a system in which there is no faith," Chandrababu added.
He asked his party MPs to raise the issue in Parliament and oppose the use of EVMs in the ensuing elections.
Meanwhile, the TDP opposed the Centre's reported move to introduce a full Budget for the 2019-20 financial year.
Chandrababu asked his MPs to exert pressure on the Centre to make it introduce only a vote-on-account budget.
"It's wrong in a democracy for a government, which has a mandate (left) only for two months, to present a budget for the next 10 months as well.
That's an undemocratic way. This government is trying to take decisions that a new government ought to take," TDPP leader Y Satyanarayana Chowdary later told reporters.
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Karnataka: College student dies by suicide in Dharwad, 3 policemen suspended
Dharwad (Karnataka) (PTI): A college student allegedly died by suicide here, following which three policemen were suspended over allegations of harassment linked to his death by the victim's family.
Aditya Myageri, a BSc student at a private college here, was among 18 students detained by the Vidyagiri police on April 25 during an anti-drug drive, police said on Wednesday.
He hailed from Belur village in Bagalkot district, but was staying with his friends at a rented accommodation in Girinagar area of Dharwad city, police said.
Among the 18 students tested, Aditya was among the 10 who had tested negative for ganja consumption and was subsequently released.
Some of his roommates, however, tested positive.
According to police, Aditya's family alleged that despite testing negative, he was harassed by police. They also claimed some policemen demanded Rs 2,000 to settle the matter and threatened legal action if he failed to pay.
He had called his mother asking for money, but she could not arrange it immediately, the family claimed.
On Monday night, Aditya allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his rented accommodation, with his family alleging police harassment and pressure over demand for money drove him to the extreme step, a senior police officer said.
Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar told PTI that an unnatural death case has been registered at Vidyagiri police station. Three policemen have been suspended over the allegations, and further investigation is underway.
