Hardik Patel on EVM tampering: Twitterati say his allegation is an insult to Gujarat voters

Many people on social media are angry with Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel for his comment on EVM tampering in Gujarat Assembly polls and say that the allegation is an insult to the voters in the state.

The BJP has beaten Congress to form the government in the state for the sixth time. Surat, Rajkot and Ahmedabad have a large number of voters from the traders' community, which was upset with GST. Hardik Patel expected PAAS and Congress to get benefits of anti-incumbency in these areas. But the results were not very favourable for his party.

Soon after the results of Gujarat Assembly polls were announced, Hardik Patel addressed the media and blamed the BJP of hacking EVM machines. The young Patedar leader said, "There has been tampering in EVMs in Surat, Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Hence the gap is very less wherever tampering happened. EVMs are hackable."

Many people including some journalists and politicians were very upset with Hardik Patel's comments on the EVM tampering. Some of them took to Twitter to blast him. They said that he is making an unfair and irresponsible response. It was also said that he has no respect for the voters in the state and his silly remarks will cost him a lot in the coming days.

Rajdeep Sardesai, Consulting Editor at the India Today group tweeted, "So the CEC didn't need to prove that EVMs cannot be tampered with. By putting both major parties below 100, the voter sent out his own stern message: Janta Janardhan, cannot be taken for granted. Gnight, shubhratri."

Rahul Kanwal, the Managing Editor of India Today, tweeted, "Hardik being totally unfair. Alleging EVM tampering. If the BJP was going to tamper the party would have got 150+ seats. Such loose talk is highly irresponsible. If he wishes to be taken seriously, must not say silly things. #GujaratVerdict"

Anand Narasimhan, the Senior Editor of Times Now, wrote, "Gain of 19 seats and 3.6%+ in vote share for the Congress but they say BJP won cos EVMs were tampered... So where they won VVPAT machines were ok... Where they lost...EVM Ka Bahana #ModiUnstoppable @thenewshour 10pm."

Ruhi Tewari‏, the Associate Editor of The Print, posted, "Hardik Patel alleges EVM tampering in some parts. Well, clearly BJP did a shoddy job of the tampering then, or it just enjoys these nail biting finishes!"

BJP leader Amit Malviya wrote: "In his Surat rally on 3Dec, Hardik Patel said there is no problem with EVMs but now when the big defeat has become evident, he is singing a different tune! Poor Congress has also latched on to him..."

TheGiniKhan‏ (@giniromet): When Leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Hardik Patel blame EVMs for election loss and don't respect voters' verdict. Voters should take them seriously and boycott them in next elections.

Sonam Mahajan (@AsYouNotWish): Bad loser, Hardik Patel now shifts the blame from EVMs to money. Says votes were bought by the BJP, that's the kind of respect he has for fellow Gujaratis. When defeated, he's accusing Patidars of selling their votes.

Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul): Polling stations where VVPAT count was tallied with EVM result, was selected randomly through a draw of lots. Representatives of all political parties were present during the draw of lots held for every constituency. Opposition will not tell you this as It exposing their Agenda.

Ashu (@muglikar_): Watching Hardik Patel puke on TV that Evms are hacked and he said bjp gave high seats to cong so no doubts are raisedwhat a loser. Shame

Divyarajsinhji Rana‏ (@DivyarajsinhjiR): Congress is busy whining about EVM tampering, whereas all know it is people who brought victory to BJP not the EVMs #जीता_विकास_जीता_गुजरात

Raghavendra Upadhya‏ (@RaghavendraUp16): Only one person or one party can win not both; it is silly for losing party to say we won. And my take in this election; Top winner is EC & EVM &bip won both d states. To hell with losers

गीतिका‏ (@ggiittiikkaa): 8:00 AM - EVM working fine. Rahulji forming govt! 10:00 AM - EVM may be malfunctioning. Rahulji forming govt with outside support 12:00 PM - EVM developing faults. Rahulji putting up brave fight 02:00 PM - EVM 100% hacked. Modi may have won elections, but Rahulji won hearts.