Assam minister Jayanta Malla Baruah has publicly advocated for a policy requiring the review or replacement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) every five years. The proposal comes amidst a broader political discourse in the state regarding election integrity and the technology used to cast ballots.

Baruah’s comments were framed as a response to the opposition Congress party, which he accused of using concerns over EVM reliability as a scapegoat for their electoral losses. By suggesting a five-year cycle for machine review, Baruah argued that the state could address skepticism surrounding the voting process. This initiative aligns with recent statements made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has publicly challenged opposition parties to move away from EVM-related complaints and instead participate in elections using traditional ballot papers if they believe the current technology is compromised.

The debate highlights a persistent divide in Indian politics. While the ruling BJP maintains that EVMs are secure and that opposition claims are politically motivated, opposition groups frequently cite concerns over potential tampering. The proposal for a five-year review cycle serves as the government's attempt to neutralize these criticisms by suggesting a technical standard for machine longevity and verification. However, the proposal has not yet been formalized into state or national policy, and it remains a point of contention between the ruling administration and the opposition parties in Assam.