During every election time it is seen that in addition to fake news being spread, the issues of Electronic Voting Machine and Ballot papers surface the media. This time it is about Modi’s claims about EVMs used for elections. A Facebook user has shared a video of PM Narendra Modi talking about EVMs but the context he attached to the video is wrong. The caption is given in Hindi claim that PM Modi used to be Anti EVM however now that he is in power he supports the use of EVM. The user also says that the tone of a person changes once they get into power. The claim was agreed by many people because, in the video extract posted by the user, Modi can be seen speaking in Hindi which translates to “Even in educated countries in the world today when an election takes place, ballot papers are used and people read their names and then put a stamp. Even in America”. According to the user who shared this post, this video was before when Modi was in power and his point was that Modi supported the usage of Ballot papers then.

The video has the logo of Feku Express which is a Facebook page known for anti-BJP and anti-Modi propaganda. You can watch the video here:

Old and Misleading Video

The video is a clipped version of one of the Modi's speech and has been taken out of context. In his speech in Parivartan Rally at Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh on December 3, 2016, about technology development, he talked about the use of ballot paper in the developed country. The original video is posted by PM’s Youtube channel and thus the authenticity of the context of the speech can be verified by anyone.

It can be seen in several instances that Modi has always been a supporter of technology development in the election context and always supported EVM. In his monthly addressing of the public with radio broadcast  ‘Mann ki Baat’, Modi appreciated the election commission for their ‘meticulous organising abilities’ during the polls. A summary of his speech in 'Mann ki Baat' can be seen here. Heated arguments developed after some claimed that the EVMs used were rigged. However, PM Modi has always stood for the EVMs and any sort of technological development in the election area.

This was also debunked by a Youtube channel. You can watch the video debunking the claim here:

The user who shared the video with the wrong context could have simply verified before posting it however it hasn’t been done. The sharing of fake and misleading news can be seen shared more during election times. However, no serious steps against people or organisations who share fake news have been taken. Spreading of fake news regarding a particular party might degrade the name and reputation of the party for anyone who believes and spreads the fake news. Thus it is important for the government to seriously implement laws that would prevent misleading activities, especially on social media.