Pune: The debate around the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) escalated as BJP leader Gopichand Padalkar openly challenged Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar. Speaking in Solapur, Padalkar dared Pawar to ask his daughter Supriya Sule (MP) and grandnephew Rohit Pawar (MLA) to resign if they distrust EVMs, a statement targeting the opposition’s skepticism post the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Padalkar, along with MLC Sadabhau Khot, addressed a gathering in Markadwadi village, the epicenter of recent protests demanding a return to ballot paper voting. The protests were fueled by opposition claims of alleged EVM tampering after their underwhelming electoral performance. A mock “repoll” attempt using ballot papers by the villagers further highlighted these concerns.
BJP Stands Firm on EVMs’ Reliability
In response, Padalkar labeled the opposition’s claims as a “fake narrative,” asserting that EVMs are a robust and credible system upheld by the Election Commission. His comments align with BJP’s broader strategy to counter the opposition’s campaign against EVMs. Khot also supported Padalkar, accusing opposition parties of undermining public trust in democratic processes.
Election Commission Defends EVMs
The Election Commission of India has dismissed allegations of EVM malfunctions, presenting evidence to counter claims of irregularities. Viral videos and reports alleging zero votes for certain candidates have been debunked, showcasing discrepancies in social media narratives and actual voting data.
Broader Implications
The EVM controversy continues to polarize political discourse in Maharashtra, reflecting deeper fractures in opposition unity. While the BJP leverages these divisions to its advantage, the opposition struggles to consolidate a coherent response ahead of upcoming elections.
Source: Web Team, C6N
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