Solapur (Maharashtra), December 8: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar expressed concerns over the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, claiming that people have lost confidence in the electoral process, particularly regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Speaking at an “anti-EVM” event in Markadwadi village, Solapur, Pawar stated, “Elections take place, and some win while others lose, but in the recent Maharashtra elections, there are doubts about the process, and voters are not feeling confident. While EVMs are used, some election results have raised suspicions among the public.”
Pawar also questioned why paper ballots, commonly used in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European nations, are not used in India. “America, England, and many European countries hold elections using paper ballots. When the whole world is using ballots, why can’t we?” he remarked.
Additionally, Pawar announced that the NCP-SCP would submit a resolution to both the Election Commission and Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, urging a shift from EVMs to paper ballots in future elections. “I’ve heard that people here were booked for advocating paper ballots because they lacked confidence in the EVM results. This is concerning. Whatever complaints you have shared with me will be forwarded to the Election Commission and the Chief Minister, and we will push for a resolution to hold elections via paper ballots instead of EVMs,” he added.
The controversy over EVMs has intensified within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance following the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a commanding victory with 235 seats. The BJP emerged as the largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and NCP made significant gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. However, the MVA suffered a setback, with Congress winning just 16 seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) securing 20 seats, and the NCP (Pawar faction) only 10 seats.