As political parties prepare for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after the assembly elections in five states, a video clip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being widely circulated, claiming that he had previously opposed Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The 23-second clip states: “Brothers and sisters, hey even the educated countries of the world, when elections are held, neither read the names on the ballot paper. Even today they are slapped with taxes. Even in America.”
The video is shared on Facebook with a caption: “मोदी जी का EVM के विरोध का पुराना वीडियो, बड़ी मुश्किल से मिला!” (English version: see below.)
Here’s the link to the above post.
FACT CHECK
NewsMobile fact-checked the above claim, and found it to be MISLEADING.
Performing a keyword search, our team found the same video on PM Modi’s official YouTube channel, dated December 3, 2016. As per its description, this is PM Modi’s address during the Parivartan Rally in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The context of the viral clip becomes clear when viewing the video from its 55-minute frame. PM Modi, while praising the widespread use of fintech in India, commends the citizens for their capabilities. In the same context, he addresses the use of EVMs, stating: “…some people say that our country is poor, people are illiterate, people do not know anything. Brothers and sisters, even in the educated countries of the world…when elections are held, they read the names on the ballot paper and stamp them even today…even in America. This is India…the one whom you call illiterate, poor, knows how to vote by pressing the button.” Thus, it is evident that he is praising the use of EVMs in India.
The PM’s speech was also broadcast live on the official YouTube channel of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on December 3, 2016, further confirming the context and authenticity of his statements during the Parivartan Rally in Moradabad, UP.
Thus, it is clear that the viral claim is misleading.
If you want to fact-check any story, WhatsApp it now on +91 11 7127 9799
Error: Contact form not found.
Click here for Latest News updates and viral videos on our AI-powered smart news