Draft:EVM Hatao Sena

EVM Hatao Sena is an apolitical and Nonprofit organization in India, advocating for the discontinuation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the country's electoral process. Founded in 2023, the organization has been at the forefront of raising concerns regarding the security, reliability, and transparency of EVMs.

Background
EVMs were introduced in India in the late 1990s as a technological upgrade to the traditional paper ballot system. They were intended to streamline the voting process and minimize electoral fraud. However, doubts and controversies surrounding the use of EVMs have persisted, leading to the emergence of organizations like EVM Hatao Sena.

Formation
EVM Hatao Sena was formed in response to growing apprehensions about the integrity of EVMs among various political parties, civil society groups, and activists. It was founded by Pawan Kumar Sharma along with his companions, who spearheaded the organization's efforts to raise awareness and advocate for electoral reforms.

Objectives
The primary objective of EVM Hatao Sena is to advocate for the discontinuation of EVMs from the electoral process in India. The organization argues that EVMs are susceptible to manipulation, which could undermine the democratic principles of free and fair elections. EVM Hatao Sena demands the reinstatement of paper ballots as a more transparent and secure method of voting.

Activities and Campaigns
EVM Hatao Sena has undertaken various activities and campaigns to achieve its objectives, including:

Demonstration of working model of EVM-VVPAT in public
Organizing public meetings throughout the whole country to demonstrate alleged loopholes of EVM-VVPAT. The EVM Hatao Sena held its first public meeting at Press Club, Jaipur in which Pawan Kumar Sharma gave a demonstration of a working model of EVM-VVPAT created by IIT Delhi graduate Rahul Chimanbhai Mehta.

Press conferences
Organizing press conference throughout various cities in every state in India to demonstrate alleged loopholes of EVM-VVPAT. EVM Hatao Sena held press conferences in following cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bangalore. In these conferences Pawan Kumar gave demonstration of working model of EVM-VVPAT to press reporters.

Social Media Outreach
Leveraging social media platforms to disseminate information, mobilize supporters, and highlight instances of alleged EVM inside tampering during elections.

On 6 January 2024, Pawan Kumar gave a public demo of working model of EVM-VVPAT at jantar mantar, whose video was shared by many YouTube channel including National Dastak, Ajit anjum, Punya Praun Bajpai. Indian National Congress official YouTube channel has also covered the press conference at Press club of India held by EVM Hatao Sena.

Controversies and Criticisms
While EVM Hatao Sena has garnered support from sections of the public and political spectrum, it has also faced criticism and skepticism. Critics argue that the organization's concerns about EVMs are often based on anecdotal evidence and lack empirical verification. Some critics accuse EVM Hatao Sena of promoting conspiracy theories and attempting to delegitimize electoral outcomes. Election Commission Gujarat tweeted about EVM Hatao Sena demonstration at Mumbai press club and called it as fake. Also Election Commission of India tweeted about EVM Hatao Sena demonstration at Press Club of India and said that the EVM used in that demonstration was not original EVM that is used by ECI in election.

Legacy
Despite facing challenges and criticisms, EVM Hatao Sena has contributed to a broader discourse on electoral reforms and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The organization's advocacy efforts have kept the issue of EVM security and reliability in the public spotlight, prompting discussions and debates among policymakers, electoral authorities, and civil society stakeholders.