Senior leader of the Shiv Sena, Sanjay Raut, has demanded a re-election using ballot papers due to alleged irregularities in the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has come to the defense of the opposition party, stating that they should not blame EVMs for their loss. The Sena leader also cited complaints from party workers across the state, suggesting that the results do not add up and there may have been foul play during the counting process. The party has been advocating the use of ballot papers for the past decade and is now demanding that the Election Commission hold fresh elections using this method.
EVMs: A Contentious Issue in Indian Elections
The use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in Indian elections has been a contentious issue, with allegations of irregularities and foul play surfacing periodically. The recent Maharashtra Assembly polls have reignited the debate, with senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut demanding a re-election using ballot papers.
Background
EVMs were first introduced in India in 1998, with the intention of making the electoral process more efficient, accurate, and tamper-proof. However, concerns have been raised about the machines' reliability, transparency, and vulnerability to manipulation.
Allegations of Irregularities
Over the years, numerous allegations of irregularities in EVM usage have been made. These include:
Shiv Sena's Demand for Ballot Papers
In the wake of the Maharashtra Assembly polls, the Shiv Sena has emerged as the most vocal critic of EVMs. Party leaders have alleged widespread irregularities, including the deletion of votes cast in their favor. Sanjay Raut has demanded a re-election using ballot papers, claiming that EVMs cannot guarantee a fair and transparent electoral process.
Support and Opposition
The Sena's demand has received support from other opposition parties, such as the NCP and the Congress. However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly defended the use of EVMs, stating that they are the most secure and reliable method of voting. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also maintained that EVMs are tamper-proof and have not been found to be manipulated in any election.
FAQs on EVMs
Q1: How does an EVM work? A: An EVM is a small electronic device that records and counts votes cast by electors. When an elector presses a button on the machine to cast their vote, the machine records the vote electronically and displays the candidate's details on a screen.
Q2: Are EVMs tamper-proof? A: According to the ECI, EVMs are tamper-proof and encrypted to prevent any unauthorized access or manipulation. However, concerns have been raised about the possibility of hacking and other forms of external interference.
Q3: Have there been any instances of EVM malpractice? A: There have been some allegations of EVM malpractice in the past, but no conclusive evidence of widespread tampering has been established. The ECI has maintained that all EVMs undergo rigorous testing and audits to ensure their accuracy and integrity.
Q4: Why do some parties oppose EVMs? A: Some political parties have opposed the use of EVMs, alleging that they are opaque and vulnerable to manipulation. They argue that ballot papers provide greater transparency and allow for manual recounts in case of disputes.
Q5: What is the future of EVMs in India? A: The use of EVMs is likely to continue in India, given their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, the ECI is constantly working to improve the security and transparency of EVMs, and it is possible that further advancements in technology may address some of the concerns raised by critics.
BR Patil, Congress MLA from Karnataka's Aland, has claimed that there was an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to steal votes leading up to the 2023 elections in the state. This allegation, backed by evidence of over 6,000 voter deletions, has been supported by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who has accused the BJP of systematically deleting the names of Congress voters. The BJP has denied these allegations, calling it a ploy by the Congress to discredit them and gain political mileage. However, Gandhi has hinted at more significant revelations to come.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, slammed the Karnataka government for the deteriorating state of Bengaluru's infrastructure, which has resulted in an IT company moving out of the city. He criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for their negligence and corruption. Kumaraswamy appealed to the industries not to leave Bengaluru and promised to rebuild the city. He also called out the government for their failure in utilizing taxpayers' money for development and demanded answers for the same.
In a press conference, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi unveiled evidence showing a widespread conspiracy to delete voters from electoral rolls in India. He presented examples and detailed data indicating that the alleged operations were carried out through automated systems and coordinated at a centralized level. Gandhi claimed that these tactics were used to manipulate elections in several states, and also accused the Election Commission of facilitating this voter deletion.
During a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of aiding the suppression of votes belonging to marginalized communities like Dalits and minorities. The Election Commission denied the allegations, stating that no vote can be deleted online without proper procedures and investigation. However, the poll body did acknowledge failed attempts to delete votes in Karnataka's Aland constituency in 2023 and an FIR has been filed to investigate. The Congress leader claimed that the Election Commission is purposely obstructing investigations to hide the truth about these deletions.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again stirred up controversy by accusing the BJP and Election Commission of systematic voter fraud through manipulation of electoral rolls. In response, BJP MP Anurag Thakur fired back, accusing Gandhi of spreading baseless allegations and undermining democracy. The Election Commission has dismissed all of Gandhi's claims, citing that no voter's name can be deleted through online means without proper procedure.
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a press conference on Thursday, where he is expected to present evidence of alleged vote theft in Indian elections. Gandhi has been vocal about the issue in previous speeches, accusing the government of using unfair means to form their power. He also claimed that the Election Commission is working in collaboration with the ruling party. The Congress promised to provide proof to back their claims and expose corruption in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment in Karnataka.
The centre has directed the removal of 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts related to Adani, citing a Delhi court order. The move comes amid ongoing disputes over the Adani Group's involvement in various projects. This action has been met with criticism, with some questioning the government's interference in online content.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi revealed that the party has uncovered over 6,000 voter deletions in Aland constituency, Karnataka, ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. According to their investigation, these deletions were not random or accidental but specifically targeted booths where the party was performing strongly. The deletions were carried out through fake applications and mobile numbers from outside Karnataka, raising concerns of an organized effort to manipulate the election process. Congress is calling for a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of protecting those involved in "vote chori" (vote stealing) and undermining democracy. He cited recent instances of voter deletions in Karnataka's Aland and fraudulent additions in Maharashtra's Rajura as evidence of systematic targeting of Congress voters. Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi urged for a fair and transparent election process to uphold the principles of democracy.
Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a news conference and claimed that the Chief Election Commissioner is protecting those who are destroying the Constitution and democracy in India. He also alleged that a group of people is systematically cutting the votes of minority groups who vote for the Congress party. In response, politicians from different parties have dismissed his accusations and stated that he is making these statements out of desperation and frustration.