Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an election rally in Bihar's Araria, where he praised the Supreme Court's rejection of pleas seeking cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with a VVPAT. He called it a "tight slap on the face of the Opposition" and demanded that they apologize to the nation.

"The Supreme Court has given a tight slap on the face of the Opposition who used to cry for EVMs," the Prime Minister said. "Today is an auspicious day for our democracy."

Earlier today, the Supreme Court dismissed all pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with a VVPAT. PM Modi emphasized that while the world praises India's democracy and electoral process, the Opposition defames it for personal benefits.

At the rally, he alleged that the Congress party conspired to take away the rights of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

"Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar has said in very clear words that India cannot have religion-based reservations, but Congress is trying its best to implement religion-based reservations," PM Modi said.

He also slammed the RJD-Congress alliance, saying they "do not care about India's Constitution."

"They did not let people exercise their right to vote for decades. Now, when the poor and honest voters have the strength of EVM, they are trying all they can to get rid of EVM," the Prime Minister said.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also praised the Supreme Court's decision, saying it has exposed the Opposition parties, including the Congress, which had left no opportunity to "defame" the Election Commission.

Manmohan Singh Reaffirms Muslims' First Claim on Country's Resources

NATO Chief Warns China Against Supporting Russia's War in Ukraine

Clash Among Prisoners in Tihar Jail Leads to Injuries