On June 4, EVMs Silenced Opposition's Doubts On Democracy, Says PM Modi During NDA Meet

In a strong rebuke to the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) had "chup kar diya" (silenced) those who sought to undermine democracy and democratic process in India. Addressing the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, Modi said, "When results were coming out on 4th June, I was busy with work. Phone calls started coming in later. I asked someone, numbers are fine, tell me EVM zinda hai ki mar gaya. These people (Opposition) had decided to ensure that people stop believing in democracy and democratic process of India. They continuously abused EVM. I thought they would take out the funeral procession of the EVM. But by the evening of 4th June, unko taale lag gaye. EVM ne unko chup kar diya. This is the strength of India's democracy, its fairness...I hope I won't get to hear about EVM for 5 years. But when we go into 2029, perhaps they will again harp about EVM...The country will never forgive them."

Modi's statement came as a response to the opposition's persistent claims about EVMs being manipulated or tampered with during the recent Lok Sabha elections.

The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the newly elected NDA MPs and leaders of the constituent parties, saying, "I am very fortunate that all of you have unanimously chosen me as the leader of NDA. You all have given me a new responsibility and I am very grateful to you...When I was speaking in this House in 2019, you all chose me as the leader, then I emphasized one thing which is trust. Today, when you are giving me this role, it means that the bridge of trust between us is strong. This relationship is on a strong foundation of trust and this is the biggest asset..."

Modi also highlighted the NDA's performance in various states, saying that the party has been serving in 7 out of 10 states where the number of tribal brothers is high. He also mentioned that the party has got the opportunity to serve in states with a high number of Christian population.

The Prime Minister concluded his speech by expressing his gratitude to all the leaders present in the assembly hall, newly elected MPs, and Rajya Sabha MPs. He congratulated those who have come victorious and bowed down to salute the lakhs of workers who have worked tirelessly for the party.

Narendra Modi was elected the leader of the NDA Parliamentary Committee at the coalition's meeting held at the Central Hall of Parliament on Friday. PM Modi will take oath as the Prime Minister of India on Sunday, June 9. The newly elected NDA MPs welcomed him into the Central Hall with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai [Hail Mother India]".