In a blistering critique, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused the opposition of attempting to undermine India’s democratic process by spreading misinformation about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Speaking at a poll rally in Bihar’s Araria PM Modi backed his “Muslims First for Congress” remark citing a video posted by his party purportedly showing former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying “Muslims should have first right when it comes to resource allocation”.
PM Modi Hails SC’s Verdict Junking Pleas Seeking Cross-Verification Of EVMs, VVPATs
Prime Minister hailing the Supreme Court’s verdict and dismissing criticism against EVMs as a personal agenda said, “Today, when the whole world is praising India's democracy, India's election process, the use of technology in elections, then these people were busy in defaming EVM for their personal interests. They have continuously tried to betray democracy,” adding, "Today the Supreme Court has clearly said that the old era of ballot paper will not return".
"RJD and Congress alliance in Bihar neither cares about the constitution of India, not about democracy. They did not let people exercise their right to vote for decades. Booth capturing was very common,” PM stated.
“They did not even let the people step out to vote. Now when the poor and honest voters have the strength of EVM, they are trying all they can to get rid of the EVM," he added.
Supreme Court today delivered its verdict on a batch of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
READ | SC Junks Pleas On Cross-Verification Of Votes Cast Using EVM With VVPAT
PM Modi Backs His 'Muslim First' Remark Against Congress With 'Utmost Responsibility'
PM further seized the opportunity to criticise the opposition, particularly the Congress party citing a video purportedly showing former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in which he can be heard saying, “It should be Muslims first when it comes to resource allocation in the country”.
"Congress has deeply conspired to take away the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs, and I'm saying this with utmost responsibility. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar has said in very clear words, that India cannot have religion-based reservations,” PM Modi said in Bihar’s Araria.
“...But Congress is trying its best to implement religion-based reservation. It is trying to implement the Karnataka model of reservation in the country. They have betrayed the OBC community and included all Muslims of Karnataka in the OBC list, irrespective of their financial status,” he added.
“A major chunk of the 27% reservation for the OBC has gone to the Muslims now. Congress wants to do the same in Bihar and other parts of the country," PM Modi said.
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