Washington, April 2 (NationPress) The head of the Indian Overseas Congress, Satyanarayan Pitroda, affectionately known as 'Sam', expressed his approval on Thursday regarding the BJP-led NDA government's claim that Naxalism has been nearly eliminated from India. However, he emphasized the necessity of comprehending the "root cause of Naxalism".

In an interview with IANS, Pitroda mentioned that despite having a "trust deficit" with the ongoing electoral system in India, he believes that future elections will utilize mobile phones integrated with blockchain technology and Artificial Intelligence.

Here are some key excerpts from the discussion:

IANS: The Indian government asserts that it has effectively eradicated Naxalism. What is your perspective?

Pitroda: I advocate for dialogue, not force. Some issues are intricate and have persisted for decades. My understanding of the Naxals stems from my studies during my youth.

To address the root cause, one must grasp why individuals resorted to violence. I do not justify their actions, but it’s crucial to view the situation from multiple perspectives. Empathy is vital; one must understand the journey of others, which is the essence of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy.

While I am relieved by the absence of violence and fear, one must question the cost of this peace. The issue is undoubtedly complex.

IANS: With assembly elections occurring in Kerala and West Bengal, what are your expectations?

Pitroda: I harbor concerns regarding the integrity of elections in India. The electoral process is flawed—issues with EVMs, VVPATs, potential electronic tampering, inaccuracies in voter lists, and video recordings raise significant doubts. It is challenging to pinpoint the extent of manipulation, as it may not be uniform across regions. Thus, I cannot confidently state that elections are free and fair; my trust has waned, and this trust deficit is troubling.

IANS: How can you substantiate these concerns, given that ruling and opposition parties win in different states?

Pitroda: Winning or losing can be influenced by manipulation. For instance, smaller states may be allowed to win, while larger, more significant states may not. For example, in Maharashtra, where substantial financial interests are at stake, the outcome might be controlled. This is merely a hypothetical scenario, not a statement of fact.

The trust deficit must be addressed before I can express confidence in the process.

During my recent visit to Germany, I learned that the German Supreme Court concluded that Electronic Voting Machines cannot be trusted, opting to revert to paper ballots, a traditional yet reliable method.

IANS: As an engineer, you understand that technology evolves. What improvements do you foresee?

Pitroda: From my perspective, unless I receive a paper receipt that I can deposit in a non-electronic box, my trust cannot be earned.

IANS: But the ballots will still be counted by others.

Pitroda: True, but I could always have those paper ballots recounted for verification. Currently, I lack a means to verify.

IANS: Do you envision technological solutions in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain?

Pitroda: Absolutely. I firmly believe that future voting will occur via mobile phones using highly secure blockchain technology. There may always be a minor error margin, but overall, it would enhance convenience—eliminating the need for polling booths, police presence, and long lines. This is the future.

If given a choice, I would advocate for a complete redesign of India's current e-governance framework. We need to streamline processes to effectively implement AI, ultimately reducing the government’s size. However, voicing such opinions can be contentious.

I am compelled to question the necessity of multiple degrees in an age where information is readily accessible. Today, knowledge is universally available, yet individuals are not trained to think critically about it.

In the era of AI, traditional teaching roles may become obsolete. I seek mentors instead of conventional educators.

I aspire to eliminate hunger and poverty through AI. It may seem ambitious, but it is achievable with political will.

AI presents an extraordinary opportunity for India to tackle major challenges.