Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, criticizes electronic voting machines (EVMs), claiming they are detrimental to India’s democracy and responsible for the party’s poor election results. He references several countries that have banned EVMs in favor of traditional voting, emphasizing the need to reform India’s electoral practices to restore democratic integrity.
In a critical commentary published in his Sunday column “Rokhthok,” Sanjay Raut, an MP of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), openly condemned electronic voting machines (EVMs), asserting that they constitute a “curse to India’s democracy.” Raut attributed the party’s disappointing performance in the November 20 assembly elections to EVMs, citing examples from various nations that have abandoned electronic voting in favor of traditional ballot paper voting. He highlighted that countries like the United States and the United Kingdom do not utilize EVMs, and noted that the Netherlands banned them in 2006, while Germany’s top court deemed EVM elections fraudulent in 2009. Japan also reverted to ballot paper voting in 2016, citing transparency concerns associated with EVMs.
Raut further criticized the handling of the Maharashtra assembly elections, suggesting widespread manipulation of results. He did not shy away from targeting former Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud, accusing him of contributing to a government that Raut believes lacks constitutional legitimacy. In a separate interaction with the media, he implied that current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde may require the assistance of an occultist due to his reported health issues. Additionally, Aaditya Thackeray, another Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, expressed frustration regarding the delayed formation of the government following the election results, emphasizing that such indecision was both disrespectful to Maharashtra and indicative of questionable practices by the Election Commission.
The topic of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in India is controversial, particularly among political factions that question their integrity and security. Critics of EVMs often point to international examples where countries have reverted to traditional voting methods because of concerns regarding electoral transparency and the potential for tampering. The Shiv Sena (UBT), under Sanjay Raut’s leadership, has been vocal in its disapproval of EVMs, arguing that they undermine democratic processes. This criticism aligns with ongoing debates in India about electoral reforms and the trustworthiness of the electoral system.
Sanjay Raut’s remarks encapsulate the growing discontent regarding the use of electronic voting machines in India, suggesting that they play a detrimental role in the democratic process. By citing examples of other nations successfully abandoning EVMs, Raut underscores the need for reform in India’s electoral practices. The overarching sentiment reflects a deeper concern for maintaining the integrity and transparency of democratic elections in India.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
