No machine can alter mandate of people: Shashi Tharoor

CHANDIGARH: Even as the opposition has been casting doubts about the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs), Congress leader and former Union minister Shashi Tharoor on Monday asserted that the will of the people cannot be altered by any machine and encouraged people to exercise their right to vote.
Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram in Parliament, assured the public that if any irregularities are discovered and substantiated with evidence, the Congress will take up the matter.He emphasised that it would be a grave error for people to refrain from voting due to concerns about the reliability of EVMs.
Speaking of the conduct of the Commission of India (ECI), Tharoor stated that while they do not intend to disrespect the courts, the EC should not tarnish its image. He questioned the delay in releasing election data and why it is "kept hidden for extended periods".
Tharoor launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that while the PM talks about "Muslims, mullahs, mujra and mangalsutra", he remains silent on critical issues like inflation and the situation in Manipur. He said that the PM should address these pressing concerns as they directly impact the lives of the people. He also expressed his concern over the rising unemployment in the country, criticising the govt for focusing on temple construction instead of addressing this issue.