Today, on 23rd November, the counting of votes for the assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, along with bypolls from several seats, is underway. Early trends indicate a massive victory for the Mahayuti (NDA) alliance in Maharashtra. As is often the case, allegations against EVMs have surfaced, with opposition leaders blaming the machines for their poor performance.
Fahad Ahmed, the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) candidate from Mumbai’s Anushakti Nagar constituency and husband of Bollywood actress Swara Bhaskar, has raised objections regarding the election results. He claims that he was leading in his constituency but began trailing after the 17th round of counting, allegedly due to issues with the EVMs. According to him, the machines, which showed 99% charge, were opened for counting, after which the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate Sana Malik took the lead.
Fahad Ahmed shared a video with the caption, ‘99% battery of CU and dilemma of BJP Alias winning.’
In another tweet, Fahad Ahmed stated, ‘After round 16 and a steady lead in all rounds.. EVM machines that were 99% charged were opened and BJP supported NCP Ajit Pawar candidate took a lead .. @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI this is rank manipulation. We demand a recount of rounds 16, 17, 18 and 19.
https://twitter.com/FahadZirarAhmad/status/1860233509694230925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw ’
Swara Bhaskar claimed, ‘In AnushaktiNagar vidhaan sabha after a steady lead by @FahadZirarAhmad of NCP-SP.. round 17, 18, 19 suddenly 99% battery charger EVMs are opened and BJP supported NCP-Ajit Pawar candidate takes lead. How can machines that have been voted on ALL day long have 99% charged batteries? Why do all 99% charged batteries give votes to BJP and its allies?’
Swara Bhaskar asserted in another tweet, ‘How can an EVM machine be 99% charged despite voting taking place all day? Election Commission should answer.. @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI .As soon as 99% charged machines were opened in Anushakti Nagar assembly, BJP supported NCP started getting votes, how come?’
Shyam Meera Singh wrote, ‘The candidate contesting from NCP (Sharad Pawar) party was continuously leading for 17, Fahad Zirar Ahmad. But when the last 2 rounds were left, the BJP supported candidate started moving ahead. It is alleged that even after voting the voting machines are showing 90% charge. It is suspected that some EVM machines have been tampered with.’
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To understand why EVMs still display “99% charge” after polling, we searched online and found relevant information. An article published by India Today on October 31, 2024, addressed this issue in detail. It reported that the Election Commission dismissed Congress’s allegations regarding the battery levels of EVMs during the recent Haryana Assembly elections.
In a 1,600-page response, the Election Commission clarified that the battery levels of EVMs have no impact on vote counting or the integrity of the machines. It called the suggestion that battery levels could affect voting outcomes “preposterous.”
The Election Commission explained that EVMs run on single-use alkaline batteries with a shelf life of five years. These batteries are stable and allow EVMs to operate even in areas without electricity. Each EVM control unit (CU) is powered by a 7.5-volt or 8-volt battery pack. As long as the voltage remains between 7.4 volts and 8 volts, the display shows “99% charge.” This indicates the system is functioning optimally, but it doesn’t reveal the actual remaining battery life. When the voltage drops below 7.4 volts, the display starts showing the actual percentage of charge. If the voltage reaches 5.8 volts, the machine alerts officials to replace the battery to avoid interruptions during polling.
The battery life of EVMs depends on several factors, such as the number of votes cast during mock polls, the frequency of vote tallies, and usage during actual polling. Mock polls, conducted before the elections, test the machines and can also affect battery consumption.
Navbharat Times also published a statement by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. He reiterated that the 99% charge display is normal for batteries operating between 7.4 and 8 volts. Once the battery voltage drops below this range, the machine displays the actual remaining percentage.
In a press conference, Rajiv Kumar addressed similar concerns. He explained that batteries are installed in EVMs 5-6 days before polling during the commissioning process. This process is done in the presence of candidate representatives, who sign off on the machines and batteries. The batteries are designed for single use and can last 5-7 days. He further clarified that EVMs require very low voltage, so any reading between 7.4 and 8 volts is considered optimal.
The 99% charge display can vary because battery usage depends on several factors, such as the number of votes cast, the number of tally operations, and how extensively the machines are tested during mock polls.
2.Verification: A long VVPAT slip containing all candidates’ details, including NOTA, is printed for verification and signed by election officials.
3.Mock Poll: During commissioning, one vote is cast for each candidate, including NOTA, in all EVMs. For 5% of machines, 1,000 votes are cast to test accuracy. Representatives can participate in this process.
4. Sealing and Certification: Once tested, the EVMs are sealed, and their batteries are signed off by the candidates’ representatives.
In conclusion, Fahad Ahmed’s claims regarding EVM manipulation due to battery levels are unfounded and lack evidence. The Election Commission has clarified that EVMs display “99% charge” as long as the battery voltage is between 7.4 and 8 volts, ensuring smooth operation. Variations in battery levels are normal and depend on factors like mock polls and vote tallying. The Commission also ensures transparency by conducting EVM commissioning, symbol loading, and mock polling in the presence of candidate representatives, who sign off at every stage.
| Claim | EVM manipulation due to battery issues caused him to trail after the 17th counting round. |
| Claimed by | Fahad Ahmed and Swara Bhaskar |
| Fact Check | EVMs work normally with 99% charge as long as the battery voltage is between 7.4 and 8 volts. The Election Commission ensures all processes are transparent, and battery levels do not affect vote counting. |
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