Narendra Modi, who was elected as the leader of Lok Sabha on Friday, took a dig at the Opposition over its previous claims of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) doling out "false results" of voting. He said the Opposition's abhorrence to EVMs reflected its mentality of rejecting technological advances. Narendra Modi said the Opposition's only aim throughout the electoral process has been to "defame India".
"These people wanted to destroy the people's belief in the democratic process of India. That's why they kept on raising allegations against EVMs. But on June 4, they were silenced by EVMs... I hope for the next 5 years, I won't have to hear any complaints against EVMs," Modi said addressing newly elected MPs and NDA leaders at a meeting at the Central Hall of Parliament.
He said the first thing he inquired about on results day was the Opposition's reaction on EVMs. "On results day, I asked someone that statistics and numbers are fine. Mujhe ye batao evm zinda hai ki mar gaya [tell me EVMs are alive or dead]," he said an apparent reference to the previous instances of the Opposition blaming EVMs for electoral losses.
He said the Opposition even tried to put up hurdles in the work of the Election Commission of India. "This particular group even approached the Supreme Court to hamper the EC's work. This resulted in the EC dedicating a major portion of its strength to fighting legal cases in the Supreme Court during the peak election period. They did this so that whatever be the result, they would be able to blame the EC," Modi said.
He said the Opposition went to polls completely dejected and conspired to defame India in front of the entire world.
Modi was elected the leader of the NDA and the BJP and the Leader of the Lok Sabha on Friday. He will take oath as the Prime Minister of India on Sunday, June 9.
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