Turnout Data Controversy: Why Bringing Back The EVM Bogey Is Risky Business

Election officials seal electronic voting machines (EVM) after polling for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections, on April 26. ( Image Source :PTI )

Opposition parties have made a major hue and cry over the delay in declaration of final turnout numbers, even questioning the increase in voting percentage compared to initial numbers.  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has gone a step further and said this raises a question on the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs), bringing back a bogey that has often been erected by losing sides since the machines were introduced in Indian elections.  On its part, the