Is EVM dead or alive? Narendra Modi hits out at INDIA bloc for maligning Indian democratic process

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today criticized the opposition INDIA bloc, expressing concerns about allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering. Speaking at a meeting of newly elected MPs of the alliance in Parliament, Modi remarked, "When results were coming out on June 4, I was busy with work. Phone calls started coming in later. I asked someone, numbers are fine, tell me EVM zinda hai ki mar gaya (Is the EVM dead or alive). Before 4 June, these people (opposition) were constantly blaming EVMs and they were determined to make people lose faith in the democratic process of India."

Modi pointed out that the opposition's attempts to undermine the Election Commission of India by blaming EVMs were ineffective. He stated, "But by the evening of June 4, unko taale lag gaye. EVM ne unko chup kar diya (EVM silenced them). This is the strength of India's democracy, its fairness. I hope I won't get to hear about EVM for 5 years. But when we go into 2029, perhaps they will again harp about EVM. The country will never forgive them."

Modi Targets Congress

The Prime Minister also criticized the Congress party's performance, noting, "Even after 10 years, Congress could not touch the figure of 100 seats. If we combine the 2014, 2019 and 2024 elections, Congress did not even get as many seats as BJP got in this election." Modi claimed that the people trust only the NDA, adding, "When there is such unwavering trust and confidence it is natural that the country's expectations will also increase and I consider this good."


Modi reaffirmed his commitment to effective governance, stating, "I had said earlier that the work of the last 10 years is just a trailer. And this is my commitment." He promised to work with more speed, confidence, and detail to fulfill the aspirations of the country. Emphasizing the values of the NDA, he said, "We protect the victorious and we do not have the perversion of mocking the defeated. These are our values."

Modi Elected as Leder of NDA Parliamentary Party

Narendra Modi was formally elected as the leader of the BJP, the NDA Parliamentary Party, and the Lok Sabha. Leaders of the NDA allies showed their support by garlanding Modi. Reflecting on the NDA's consistency, Modi remarked, "You can ask any child whose government was in power before the Lok Sabha Elections? He will say NDA. Then ask him who formed the govt after 2024, and he will say NDA."

NDA, Strongest Coalition Government: Modi

Modi highlighted the strength of the coalition, stating, "In terms of numbers in the history of coalition, this is the strongest coalition government." He underscored the inclusive approach of the NDA, saying, "For me, all the leaders of all the parties are equal in the Parliament. When we talk about Sabka Prayaas, for us everyone becomes equal whether they are from our party or not."

Modi acknowledged the legacy of past leaders, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Parkash Singh Badal, and Balasaheb Thackeray, noting their contributions to the NDA's foundation. He affirmed the alliance's commitment to good governance, stating, "The NDA government has given good governance to the country and in a way, just saying NDA becomes synonymous with good governance."

Looking ahead, Modi vowed to strive for consensus and leave no stone unturned in taking the country forward. He expressed gratitude to the NDA leaders for electing him as their leader and highlighted the NDA's success over the past three decades. According to sources, Modi is likely to take oath as the Prime Minister for the third consecutive time on June 9.

(Inputs from ANI)