Not returning to era of ballot papers: CEC

New Delhi, Jan 24 Amid renewed demands against the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on Thursday declared that the Election Commission isn't returning to ballot papers.

EVMs are being used as a "football" due to a "motivated slugfest", he said.

"I might want to make it, clear once again that we are not returning to the era of ballot papers," Arora stated, addressing a gathering ahead of National Voters Day.

He said the poll panel would not take the nation back to an era where ballot papers were lifted by musclemen.

"We are available to any analysis and criticism. In any case, we are not going to be harassed. We are going to continue using EVMs," he said using strong words to defend the machines.

His remarks came days after a self proclaimed cyber expert claimed the machines can be hacked.

Following his claims, several parties have demanded the use of ballot papers in the coming Lok Sabha polls..