Ravi Shankar Prasad backs use of EVMs, says need to trust EC
New Delhi, Jan 25 : Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Friday backed the use of electronic voting machines (EVM) and said there is a need to trust the Election Commission and respect the sanctity of the institution.
His remarks came a day after Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora asserted that the EC would not be "intimidated or bullied" into giving up EVMs and going back to the era of ballot boxes.
On Monday, a self-proclaimed cyber expert had claimed the machines can be hacked and that the 2014 Lok Sabha elections were rigged.
Following his claims, several opposition parties have demanded the use of ballot papers in the coming Lok Sabha polls.
"I do not wish to make a political comment. I wish to say it with all respect that the same machine has shown the victory of my party (BJP) and also the defeat of my party. The same machine has shown regional players getting success time and time again," Prasad said.
He made these remarks at a National Voters Day event organised by the EC where President Ram Nath Kovind and CEC Arora were present.
The minister said the kind of trust the poll panel has shown in new technology backed by "most profound technical oversight is something we all need to respect".
He said the elections in India and the conduct of elections are being discussed globally. "We need to trust EC, respect the sanctity of the institution of EC," he said.
On Thursday, the Congress had said it sounds "strange" when the Election Commission presents itself as an advocate for EVMs.
Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said the Election Commission has been entrusted the task to conduct elections and it should take the views of various stakeholders, including people and political parties, before arriving at such a decision.
"It looks strange and odd sometimes when the Election Commission presents itself and acts as an advocate of the EVMs," he had told reporters.
Addressing an international conference here on Thursday, Arora had said, "We are open to any criticism, any feedback, from any stakeholders, including political parties, because they are the biggest stakeholders. But at the same time, we are not going to be intimidated or bullied or pressurised or coerced into giving up these (EVMs and paper trail machines) and starting the era of ballot boxes."
Prasad's remarks on EVMs assume significance as the law ministry is responsible for answering questions in Parliament related to the EC. The law ministry is also the nodal ministry to handle amendments in election laws.
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Karnataka ex-MLA, a doctor, saves life of American co-passenger mid air
Bengaluru (PTI): A Karnataka ex-MLA, Anjali Nimbalkar, a doctor by profession, has saved the life of an American woman passenger, who suffered a medical emergency mid-air during a Goa–New Delhi flight, official sources said on Sunday.
The incident happened when Nimbalkar, AICC secretary co-incharge of Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli, was travelling to Delhi to attend the "Vote Chori" rally organised by Congress at Ramleela Maidan on Sunday, they added.
Nimbalkar performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and revived the co-passenger, who complained of uneasiness and shivering, fainted and lost her pulse, they said.
Nimbalkar reportedly remained by the patient’s side for the entire duration of the flight, constantly paying attention to her medical needs and comforting her.
Soon after landing at Delhi, the unwell foreign passenger was shifted to a hospital by an ambulance, sources said, adding that Nimbalkar's timely action received praise from passengers and crew members.
Lauding Nimbalkar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in a post on 'X' said, "Deeply moved and incredibly proud to hear about the remarkable presence of mind and compassion shown by former Khanapur MLA Dr Anjali Nimbalkar during a Goa–New Delhi flight. When an American woman suffered a medical emergency mid-air, Dr Anjali instantly rose to the occasion and administered timely CPR, saving a precious life."
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What makes this even more inspiring is that, despite having stepped away from her medical profession and being actively engaged in politics, the doctor within her responded without a second thought, he said, adding that "this selfless act reflects not just professional expertise, but a profound sense of humanity, service, and responsibility toward fellow beings."
"Whether in power or not, leaders like Dr Anjali Nimbalkar stand as shining examples of true public service—always ready to help, without expecting anything in return. Such individuals set a powerful standard for society and remind us of the true meaning of leadership," he further added.
Thanking the CM, Nimbalkar said, she has done her duty as a Doctor.
"It (is) also my job and duty as a doctor to serve in this capacity whenever required. Means a lot coming from you, who himself is an example of social commitment," she said in a post on 'X', replying to the CM.
