It may be recalled that prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the demand for 100% VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) verification by the INDIA alliance reignited debates on the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs).
The Election Commission of India (ECI), along with former chief election commissioners, consistently maintained that there has not been a single instance of a VVPAT mismatch to date. Yet, scepticism about EVMs persists, underscoring a critical challenge to the credibility of India’s electoral process. Interestingly, the unity of the INDIA alliance-comprising diverse opposition parties-has been tested over this issue.
While the Congress remains steadfast in questioning EVM reliability, allies such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) have distanced themselves from this stance. These parties have even criticized the Congress for selectively blaming EVMs for electoral losses while accepting their legitimacy when victorious. This internal discord exposes cracks within the alliance, raising questions about its coherence and mutual trust.
The roots of this debate stretch back to the introduction of EVMs in the 1970s, when they were hailed as a solution to the rampant issues of booth capturing and vote tampering associated with ballot papers. Over time, however, EVMs have faced scrutiny for their perceived lack of transparency. Opposition leaders, notably Rahul Gandhi, have openly expressed distrust in the system, calling for measures to enhance its credibility or revert to paper ballots altogether.
VVPAT, designed as an independent verification mechanism, enables voters to confirm that their votes have been cast correctly while serving as a safeguard against election fraud and system malfunctions. This system provides an auditable paper trail, recording the candidate’s name and party symbol, thereby fostering accountability in electronic voting. Despite its intended purpose, the political discourse surrounding VVPAT and EVMs has deepened rather than alleviated doubts about the transparency of elections.
The demand for 100% VVPAT verification stems from the belief that the current practice of random VVPAT checks does little to address legitimate concerns about electoral integrity. Critics argue that partial verification leaves room for doubt and potential malpractice. Adding fuel to this scepticism are allegations of bias against the ECI, which some opposition leaders claim has acted in favour of the ruling BJP since 2014.
These accusations, while contentious, further erode public trust in the impartiality of electoral oversight. The current intra-alliance friction within the INDIA bloc sends mixed signals to voters, who may perceive the opposition as divided and opportunistic. Accusations of selective bias weaken the opposition’s collective credibility, particularly when unity is paramount in challenging the ruling party.
For a coalition aspiring to present itself as a viable alternative to the BJP, this public bickering over EVMs risks alienating voters and undermining the larger goal of democratic reform. Ultimately, the debate over EVMs and VVPAT verification is not just a technical or procedural issue-it is emblematic of a deeper struggle to restore faith in India’s democratic institutions. Transparency, fairness, and unity are the cornerstones of this endeavour. Whether the INDIA alliance can rise above internal disputes to present a cohesive and credible front remains a question of critical importance as the nation approaches a pivotal election.