In a recent exchange on ‘X’, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, Elon Musk, sparked a debate over the credibility of EVMs. The billionaire tech magnate suggested the elimination of EVMs, citing the risk of the machines getting hacked. Reacting to this, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar labelled Musk’s view as a ‘sweeping generalisation statement’.
We should eliminate electronic voting machines. The risk of being hacked by humans or AI, while small, is still too high. https://t.co/PHzJsoXpLh
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 15, 2024
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who held the position of Minister of State for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in Modi Cabinet 2.0, responded to Musk’s viewpoint. He explained that while Musk’s concerns may be valid for the US and other places using standard computer platforms for internet-connected voting machines, they do not apply to India. Chandrasekhar emphasised that Indian EVMs are specifically designed, secure, and operate independently without any connection to networks or media.
This statement makes a broad generalisation implying that no one can develop secure digital hardware, which is incorrect. Chandrasekhar disagreed with Elon Musk’s perspective, noting its relevance in the US and other regions where standard computing platforms are used to create internet-connected voting machines.
He elaborated on this in a tweet, stating, “This is a huge sweeping generalisation statement that implies no one can build secure digital hardware. Wrong. Elon Musk’s view may apply to US n other places – where they use regular compute platforms to build Internet connected Voting machines. But Indian EVMs are custom designed, secure and isolated from any network or media – No connectivity, no bluetooth, wifi, Internet. ie there is no way in. Factory programmed controllers that cannot be reprogrammed (sic).”
#WATCH | On his interaction with Elon Musk on EVMs, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, "While I respect Elon Musk and what he has achieved. I think he is factually incorrect in saying that anything can be hacked. A calculator or a toaster cannot be hacked. Therefore, there is… pic.twitter.com/gn14Hjz3pc
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024
Rajeev Chandrasekhar also invited Musk to participate in a tutorial highlighting the strength and secure design of India’s EVMs.
Rahul Gandhi terms EVMs as Black Box
Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi joined in, echoing Musk’s skepticism. Gandhi, known for frequently questioning EVM transparency, described them as a ‘black box.’
‘In his post on X, he said, “EVMs in India are a ‘black box,’ and nobody is allowed to scrutinise them. Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability.” EVMs in India are a “black box,” and nobody is allowed to scrutinise them.
Amid the raging controversy, BJP IT Cell in-charge Amit Malviya issued a challenge to the Tesla CEO and a put-down to Rahul Gandhi.
“Elon Musk or whoever else thinks they can hack the EVM should approach the Election Commission of India and take a shot at it. But why is Rahul Gandhi complaining about Indian democracy to Musk? What can Musk do? Or is crying before the world and demeaning India part of Congress’s DNA? We just had an election and people of India rejected this dynast for a third time in row. But he still does not get it,” tweeted Malviya.
Elon Musk or whoever else thinks they can hack the EVM should approach the Election Commission of India and take a shot at it.
But why is Rahul Gandhi complaining about Indian democracy to Musk? What can Musk do? Or is crying before the world and demeaning India part of… https://t.co/LuyCUfj4X2
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 16, 2024
During the recently concluded marathon Lok Sabha election, the Opposition alleged that the ruling BJP could tamper with electronic voting machines to influence poll outcomes. In response, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar assured that EVMs are “100% safe.”
