CM Kumaraswamy voices concern over vulnerability of EVMs
Bengaluru: With most exit polls forecasting another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP almost sweeping Karnataka in the Lok Sabha polls, chief minister H D Kumaraswamy Monday expressed concerns over the vulnerability of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Hitting out at the pollsters, the chief minister in a series of tweets alleged that the "artificially engineered" or "manufactured" Modi wave is being used by the BJP to lure regional parties well in advance to fill any shortfall after the results on May 23.
"Entire Opposition political parties had expressed concern over credibility of EVMs under PM @narendramodi's rule. Opposition parties even knocked the doors of the Supreme Court asking for a traditional ballot paper electionsto avoid defective EVMs that are vulnerable to fraud," Kumaraswamy said.
"World wide, even developed countries have opted for traditional polls through paper ballets. The exit poll surveys on May 19 only reiterated the serious concern of the Opposition parties on misuse of vulnerable EVMs for electoral gains by the ruling party," he said in another tweet.
Stating that exit polls were being used to create an impression that "there is still a Modi wave" in the country, Kumaraswamy said, "This artificially engineered or manufactured Modi wave is being used by the BJP to lure regional parties well in advance to fill any shortfall after the results on May 23."
"The entire exit poll exercise was an effort to create false impression of a wave in favour of one particular leader and the party. As they say, it is just an exit poll, not exact poll," he added.
Most exit polls on Sunday predicted that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party led National Democratic Alliance will comfortably cross the halfway mark of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha. Some even projected that the NDA will get more than 300 seats.
Forecasting a big BJP win in Karnataka, the pollsters claimed that the saffron party was likely to win over 21 of the total 28 seats. In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won 17 seats while the Congress and the JD(S) had bagged 9 and 2 seats each respectively.
However, in the bypolls held in November last year the BJP had lost the Ballari seat to the Congress.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara too raised doubts over the EVMs, saying that the BJP had sponsored the exit polls as the ground reality was different.
He also noted that the United Progressive Alliance will come to power at the Centre this time.
Rajya Sabha member B K Hariprasad said the exit polls were the reflection of the wishes of news channels where Modi wave is prevalent.
"Most of the exit polls are the reflection of the wishes of news channels. There is a Modi wave in the news channels but the actual result will be out when the (ballot) boxes are opened," Hariprasad told reporters.
"They have shown BJP losing 40 to 45 seats in Uttar Pradesh. In rest of the places, these channels tried to fill the void. Exit polls are not exact polls. We will get exact poll when the counting happens," he added.
However, Karnataka BJP president B S Yeddyurappa said people of the country as well as Karnataka have supported Modi and the exit polls giving 22 seats to the saffron party in the state was a proof of that.
Stressing that many tall leaders of Congress-JD(S) will lose, he said, "Let's see what will happen after May 23, fighting is on between Congress and JD(S) already, let's see where it will reach."
The Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) leaders questioning the EVMs shows their desperation, he added.
Speculation is rife in the political circles that any adverse results for Congress-JD(S) alliance in the polls will have its implications on the longevity of the Kumaraswamy-led government in Karnataka.
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FBI Director Kash Patel faces uncertain future amid controversies: Report
New Delhi: Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is reportedly likely to be removed from his position in the administration of Donald Trump, according to recent media reports citing senior White House officials.
The development comes amid a series of controversies surrounding Patel, with reports suggesting that his position has become increasingly tenuous. A White House official was quoted as saying that it is “only a matter of time” before action is taken.
The report surfaced shortly before a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, adding to the tense political environment.
Patel, who gained prominence for his strong stance against what he described as the “deep state” and his alignment with Trump’s political messaging during the 2024 election campaign, has faced scrutiny over allegations related to past alcohol-related incidents. Reports indicate that he had acknowledged two prior arrests linked to public drinking during his student years.
Further pressure has come from members of the Democratic Party, who have called for Patel to undergo an evaluation related to alcohol consumption patterns. Despite the allegations, Patel has maintained that he has never been intoxicated while on duty.
In March, a hacking incident reportedly linked to an Iran-associated group compromised Patel’s personal email account, leading to the publication of personal material. A Justice Department official confirmed that the breach appeared to be authentic.
The situation follows the recent dismissal of Pam Bondi as US Attorney General earlier this month, a move reportedly driven by dissatisfaction within the administration over legal and political developments. Patel is considered to be among officials whose positions may be under review following her removal.
Despite ongoing speculation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump continues to have confidence in Patel. In response to media reports, Patel has filed a $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic, alleging defamation over claims regarding his conduct.
