BJP questioned EVMs first: Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, May 22: As the debate over EVMs hotted up, former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah Wednesday said it was BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao who has authored a book questioning about electronic voting machines 10 years ago and party veteran L K Advani had written the preface of it.
In a tweet in Kannada, Siddaramaiah wrote, "BJP was the first to raise doubts about the EVMs. The spokesperson of that party had even written a book. Supporting the doubt, L K Advani had written the preface of the book. What's the reason behind BJP's change in stand in the last 10 years?"
The book 'Democracy at risk due to EVMs' was written by Rao, a psephologist-turned politician, after 2009 elections.
A poster Siddaramaiah tweeted says, "Concerns about EVMs are legitimate when raised by BJP!"
His tweet came in the backdrop of six posers by BJP national president Amit Shah to the opposition parties led by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu for raising doubts about the sanctity of EVMs.
In his tweets, Shah condemned those questioning the EVMs saying that opposing EVMs is an insult to the voters. By questioning the EVMs the 22 parties shaken with the possible loss were tarnishing the image of the country, he said.
Shah also questioned the political parties why did they assume power who were elected through EVMs and were now questioning its authenticity.
As many as 21 political parties Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission asking it to first count the five VVPATs and tally with the EVMs before proceeding with the counting process for the Lok Sabha polls.
However, the EC turned down their plea.
ಇವಿಎಂ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮೊದಲು ಅನುಮಾನ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದು ಬಿಜೆಪಿ. ಆ ಪಕ್ಷದ ವಕ್ತಾರ ಜಿವಿಎಲ್ ನರಸಿಂಹರಾವ್ ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಪುಸ್ತಕವನ್ನೇ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದರು. ಆ ಅನುಮಾನವನ್ನು ಬೆಂಬಲಿಸಿ ಎಲ್.ಕೆ.ಅಡ್ವಾಣಿ ಪುಸ್ತಕಕ್ಕೆ ಮುನ್ನುಡಿ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದರು. 'ಇವಿಎಂ' ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಈ ಹತ್ತು ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಜೆಪಿಯ ಬದಲಾದ ನಿಲುವಿಗೆ ಕಾರಣವೇನು? pic.twitter.com/nJVcHHdGt5
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 22, 2019
Lot of doubts about EVMs
Former CM Siddaramaiah has said that he had a lot of doubts about EVMs.
BJP men tamper EVM machines. There is a lot of doubts about this. EVMs cannot be tampered in the by-elections, but only in the general election. The votes, which come in our favor in by-elections, go missing in general elections. Why? Siddaramaiah asked.
Sidaramaiah, who expressed anger over the statement of Roshan Baig, said, "It is the thirst of power which is making Roshan Baig give such statements.
He was aspiring for a ministerial berth and even he did not get the Lok Sabha ticket. Therefore, he is giving such statements, he said.
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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.
