New Delhi: Independent Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal released a chart for counting agents in order to ensure that there is no tampering of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machine) for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Sibal was addressing a press conference on Sunday.

The former Union Minister said that the counting agents must check the time on the machines as to when the machine has been opened which should be on June 4. He urged people to match total votes with counted votes.

Presenting the chart, Sibal explained that, "This chart includes the Control Unit (CU) number, Ballot Unit (BU) number, and VVPAT ID. The third column is crucial; it shows the date June 4, 2024, and the time when the machine will be opened. Any discrepancy in this time indicates that the machine may have been tampered with. Additionally, the serial number of the control unit must be matched."

He advised, "When the total poll votes are counted, examine them carefully. If there are discrepancies in the count, problems may arise. Ensure the result button is not pressed until all figures are verified. Any timing mismatch suggests tampering. I urge all political parties and candidates to rigorously check the first column before proceeding."

Sibal stressed on the importance of following this procedure to prevent any potential EVM tampering. "Many people believe these machines can be tampered with, and we are trying to ensure transparency," he said.

During the media address, Sibal also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's veiled ‘jail’ remark at RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav, stating that it was an indication that investigative agencies are acting under the PM's influence. "The Prime Minister, holding a dignified office, has reduced its dignity by making such remarks. It's an insult to women and opposition leaders. This kind of rhetoric fosters a culture of hate.”

In a recent rally in Karakat, Modi had said, "Today, I am giving one more guarantee to the people of Bihar. Those who looted the poor to get land registered in lieu of jobs should listen carefully, their countdown for going to jail has started. Once he completes his rounds on the helicopter, his road to jail will be finalized."

Sibal argued that the PM's promise to send Tejaswi Yadav to jail after the elections was pointing out that the legal process was being manipulated. "There is a legal process. How does he know the outcome? This confirms that investigative agencies are working under his direction. It reflects poorly on our democratic processes," Sibal outraged.

"Despite this being a violation of the model code of conduct, I don't expect any intervention because of the existing complicity," he added.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Manchester, Jul 27 (PTI): Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja extended India’s fight on day five of the fourth Test with determined half-centuries, giving the visitors a slender 11-run lead at tea time but more importantly raising visions of a morale boosting draw.

Both Jadeja (53 batting off 102) and Washington (58 batting off 139) batted with a strong purpose to save the game, frustrating a worn out England attack.

At tea, India were 322 for four after collecting 99 runs from a wicketless afternoon session.

Ben Stokes, who looked lethal in his eight over spell in the morning, could not keep up the intensity in the three overs he bowled in the second session.

In a 15-run over from Stokes, Washington pulled the England captain for a six and four to bring up his fifty before Jadeja employed the cut to complete his fifth half-century in six innings.

With not much batting to come and Rishabh Pant injured, it remains to be seen if India can pull off a draw from here.

What made England’s life difficult is that left-arm spinner Liam Dawson (0/70 in 39 overs) was not able to challenge the Indian left-handers enough while Jofra Archer too get could not get a breakthrough post lunch.

The second new ball is now 38 overs old, making batting easier.

In the morning session, Shubman Gill completed a gutsy hundred after Stokes battled through pain to dismiss a well set K L Rahul, leaving India at 223 for four at lunch.

Resuming the day at 174 for two with a deficit of 137, India remained on course to draw the game courtesy a fighting effort from Gill, who brought up his fourth century of the series. The Indian captain fell at the stroke of lunch with the visitors still trailing England by 88 runs.

Considering India’s backs against the walls and series on the line, this could be Gill’s most defining century if India managed to save the match and keep the series alive.

Expecting the ball to come back in, Gill felt for the one from Jofra Archer that shaped away, getting a faint outside edge.

The 188-run marathon stand between Gill and Rahul (90 off 230) was finally broken when the latter was trapped in front by Stokes with a ball that kept a tad low from length.

Soon after, Stokes got one jump to sharply from a similar length that foxed Rahul, leaving the Indian skipper in a lot of pain.

The rising ball first crashed into Gill’s right thumb before taking a piece of his

helmet.

It was remarkable that Stokes, who was not fit enough to bowl on day four, managed an eight-over spell on day five despite discomfort in his right shoulder and hamstring. Like at Lord’s, he did not care much about his injury prone body to help the team’s cause.

The new ball was taken after the 80th over and resulted in the wicket of Gill. Jadeja too would have be gone first ball but Joe Root could not hold on to a tough chance at first slip off Archer.

Brief scores:

India: 358 and 322/4 in 118 overs (KL Rahul 90, Shubman Gill 103, Ravindra Jadeja 53 batting, Washington Sundar 57 batting; Chris Woakes 2/57)

England 1st innings: 669 all out in 157.1 overs (Joe Root 150, Ben Stokes 141, Ben Duckett 94, Zak Crawley 84; Ravindra Jadeja 4/143).