EC used power of technology to strengthen people’s power: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Election Commission on Sunday, saying it had used the power of technology to strengthen people's power and also shown commitment to a fair polling process.

Modi's praise for the poll body in his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ broadcast came ahead of its foundation day on January 25, observed as the National Voters' Day, and amid frequent criticism from the opposition for its alleged pro-BJP bias.

The EC had modernised and strengthened the election process from time to time, Modi asserted.

"It has used power of technology to strengthen people's power," he said, asking people to participate in the polling process in large numbers to be part of the democratic process.

Opposition parties have increasingly raised questions on the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and Modi's remarks can be seen as an endorsement of the EVMs.

The prime minister said doubts were cast on India's viability as a democracy after it became independent, but the country proved them wrong. After all, India is mother of democracy, he said.

The programme was held on the third Sunday this month as against the last, as next Sunday is Republic Day, Modi noted.

The prime minister played short audio clips of some of the members of India's constituent assembly, including its chairman Rajendra Prasad, Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Syama Prasad Mookerjee, to highlight the values they promoted.

Speaking of the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the prime minister said people of various castes and regions had come together. There is no discrimination of any kind, he added.