MVA Candidates From Pune Call For Return To Ballot Paper, Allege EVM Tampering
MVA Candidates From Pune Call For Return To Ballot Paper, Allege EVM Tampering
In a significant development following the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, candidates from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition have raised concerns over alleged tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). During a meeting at the city office of the Nationalist Congress Party [NCP(SP)] on Wednesday, leaders from NCP(SP) and Congress discussed the issue with legal and technical experts, deciding to challenge the election process in court.
Prashant Jagtap and Ashok Pawar of NCP(SP), alongside Congress leaders Ramesh Bagwe and Datta Bahirat, expressed doubts about the integrity of the EVM-based election results. “The data mismatches are shocking, raising serious concerns about authenticity. We strongly demand that ballot paper voting be reinstated,” said Bagwe.
Acting city NCP(SP) chief Ankush Kakade confirmed that the coalition plans to file a legal petition and mobilize public support for their demand. Jagtap highlighted international precedents, noting, “Many countries have abandoned EVMs and returned to ballot paper voting. India should follow suit.” He further argued that the technical nature of EVMs makes them susceptible to tampering and beyond the comprehension of many candidates.
Bagwe reiterated that the coalition does not accept the results, alleging that they were pre-planned and manipulated. “We will not rest until a transparent and reliable voting system is reinstated,” he said.
This development comes amid growing calls for election reforms in Maharashtra, with the MVA intensifying its campaign to replace EVMs with traditional ballot paper voting methods.
