On 16th June 2024, Mid-Day published a sensational report that caused a stir in both political and public spheres. The article claimed that an unauthorized mobile phone in a counting center in Mumbai unlocked Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) via OTP. It suggested that this tampering influenced the election results. Specifically, the report insinuated that a relative of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar manipulated the voting process. This allowed Waikar to emerge victorious over his opponent, Amol Kirtikar.
ECI’s Swift Response and Fact-Checking
The Election Commission of India (ECI) promptly debunked these claims, emphasizing that EVMs are not network-connected and cannot be accessed or manipulated remotely through OTPs. This clarification maintained public trust in the electoral process. ECI’s statement highlighted that EVMs are sealed physically and only authorized personnel can access them under stringent security protocols.
The Quiet Retraction
Faced with mounting evidence and official denials, Mid-Day retracted their story. However, the manner in which they issued their apology has raised eyebrows. On 17th June, the newspaper published a brief clarification on its front page, stating, “The report ‘Waikar’s kin had a phone that unlocks EVM’ (pages 6, June 16) inadvertently erroneously mentioned that the accused person used his mobile phone to generate an OTP to unlock EVMs. The error is regretted.”
Buried Apologies and Journalistic Ethics
The placement and size of the apology sparked criticism. Despite being on the front page, the clarification appeared as a minor note overshadowed by a larger report on Bollywood actor Salman Khan. This strategic positioning likely led to many readers overlooking the apology, failing to achieve the same level of visibility as the original, misleading report.
Moreover, the apology was conspicuously absent from Mid-Day’s social media channels, where the initial report had garnered significant attention. Neither the newspaper nor the report’s author, Shirish Vaktania, issued a direct apology on platforms like Twitter, where misinformation can spread rapidly.
The Impact of Misinformation
The initial report by Mid-Day had significant repercussions. It fueled conspiracy theories and reignited debates over the integrity of EVMs, with prominent figures like Congress MP Rahul Gandhi using the false information to question the electoral process. Such misinformation can erode public trust in democratic institutions and processes, highlighting the critical need for responsible journalism.
Mid-Day’s handling of the EVM story and its subsequent retraction underscores the importance of journalistic integrity and accountability. While mistakes can happen, the manner in which they are addressed reflects on a publication’s commitment to truth and transparency. By quietly issuing a minimalistic apology, Mid-Day missed an opportunity to restore public trust and demonstrate ethical responsibility in journalism.