Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized electronic voting machines (EVMs), claiming they are detrimental to India’s democracy and linked to his party’s poor performance in recent elections. He cited examples from countries that have moved away from EVMs, argued for the necessity of ballot paper voting, and voiced critiques of the Supreme Court and current political leadership regarding their stances on EVMs.
In a recent column in the publication Rokhthok, Sanjay Raut, a leader of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), critiqued the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in India, labeling them as detrimental to the nation’s democracy. Raut elaborated that the electoral failures of his party in the November assembly elections could be attributed to the flaws inherent in the EVM system. He referenced several countries, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Japan, which have abandoned EVMs in favor of traditional ballot paper voting due to concerns over transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
Raut expressed his disdain regarding the advocacy of EVMs by the Supreme Court of India, asserting that their presence undermines democratic principles. According to him, the electoral system in India is now untrustworthy, especially following discrepancies observed in the Maharashtra assembly election outcomes. Moreover, Raut criticized former Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Chandrachud for his role in allegedly shielding what he termed an unconstitutional government in Maharashtra. Raut further made comments about current political leadership, notably targeting caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde by suggesting he requires unconventional methods of healing instead of medical attention.
In addition, Aaditya Thackeray, another prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) figure, echoed concerns regarding the newly formed government. He pointed out the prolonged indecision surrounding the chief minister’s appointment as an affront not only to the State of Maharashtra but also to the Election Commission’s role in conducting elections.
Sanjay Raut’s arguments regarding the implications of EVMs on India’s democratic framework advocates a return to ballot papers as a means to ensure electoral integrity and public confidence in the democratic process.
The ongoing debate over electronic voting machines (EVMs) has gained traction in India, particularly among political factions that question their efficacy and fairness in elections. Countries like the Netherlands and Germany and even industrial figures like Elon Musk have raised concerns about the risk of tampering and lack of transparency associated with EVMs. This controversy underscores the political tensions in India, especially in light of recent assembly elections and governmental shifts that have led to claims of corruption and constitutional violations within the democratic process.
The discourse surrounding Sanjay Raut’s commentary emphasizes significant concerns regarding the reliability of electronic voting machines in India. It highlights a broader dissatisfaction within the political landscape and an urgent call for reforms; advocates for returning to traditional ballot methods argue that such measures are necessary to restore trust in democratic institutions. As political figures express their opposition to EVMs, the implications for future elections and governance in India could be profound.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
