The Election Commission of India has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by RJD leader Jagdanand Singh regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) having pre-loaded votes. The commission categorically stated that the claim of each EVM containing 25,000 pre-loaded votes is both technically impossible and procedurally false.
EC's Technical and Procedural Rebuttal
In an official statement released on November 18, 2025, the poll body systematically dismantled the RJD leader's allegations. The Commission emphasized that the voting process involves multiple layers of verification and transparency that make such manipulation impossible.
The EC specifically highlighted that the allegation contradicts statutory records signed by RJD's own election and polling agents. This crucial detail undermines the credibility of the claims, as party representatives themselves verify and sign documents confirming the integrity of the voting process at each stage.
Context of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
The controversy emerged during the high-stakes Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, where political tensions have been running high. Jagdanand Singh, a prominent RJD leader, had raised serious concerns about the integrity of EVMs, specifically claiming they contained thousands of pre-loaded votes.
However, the Election Commission's firm response underscores the technical safeguards built into the EVM system. The machines used in Indian elections are stand-alone devices without networking capabilities, making remote manipulation or pre-loading of votes technically unfeasible.
Broader Implications for Electoral Integrity
This incident marks another chapter in the ongoing debate about EVM reliability in Indian elections. The Election Commission's prompt and detailed response aims to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, especially during crucial state elections.
The Commission's statement serves as a reminder that all political parties participate in the verification process through their appointed agents, who have the right to verify EVMs before polling begins and witness the entire voting process.
As Bihar continues counting votes across its 243 constituencies, the EC's firm stance on this matter reinforces the protocol-driven nature of Indian elections and the multiple checks and balances that protect electoral integrity.
