Sanjay Raut, MP of Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized electronic voting machines (EVMs) in his Sunday column, citing examples from countries that have banned EVMs for ballot paper voting. He attributed the party’s poor performance in recent assembly polls to EVM malfunctions and expressed concerns about the Supreme Court’s support for EVMs, calling into question the integrity of the electoral process in India.
In his recent commentary, Sanjay Raut, a Member of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT), has vehemently criticized the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), labeling them as detrimental to the integrity of India’s democracy. He pointed to several international examples where countries have abandoned EVMs in favor of traditional ballot paper voting, suggesting a severe undermining of democratic processes in India.
Raut articulated his discontent in his weekly column, ‘Rokhthok,’ where he expressed concerns that the current electoral system leads to the deterioration of democracy. Referencing nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, he noted that many have either never adopted, or have since banned the use of EVMs due to transparency issues and the potential for manipulation. He asserted, “America, England do not use EVMs for their elections. In 2006, Netherlands banned the use of EVMs. In 2009, the apex court of Germany declared election by EVMs bogus and banned them. In 2016, Japan shifted to ballot paper saying EVMs are not transparent.”
In the wake of the recent assembly polls held on November 20, Raut attributed his party’s disappointing electoral results to the alleged malfunctioning and manipulation of EVMs. He further criticized the Supreme Court’s endorsement of EVMs, claiming that such an endorsement has contributed to an ongoing crisis of confidence in the electoral process. Raut did not hesitate to target former Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud, accusing him of enabling an unconstitutional government in Maharashtra, thus exacerbating the situation.
Besides political criticism, Raut has made light-hearted yet pointed remarks about current Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, implying that he might benefit from unconventional treatment for his reported health issues. Meanwhile, his colleague and MLA Aaditya Thackeray also expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in forming a new government following the assembly elections, suggesting that the governing coalition was disrespecting the state’s democratic processes and the role of the Election Commission.
The use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in India has been a subject of intense debate, raising questions about electoral transparency and reliability. Critics argue that EVMs lack the necessary safeguards against tampering and can undermine public trust in the electoral process. Similar concerns have prompted several countries to revert to traditional voting methods, emphasizing the importance of verifiable and credible election mechanisms. Sanjay Raut’s recent statements reflect a growing sentiment among some political factions in India advocating for the return of ballot papers as a means to restore faith in democracy.
In conclusion, Sanjay Raut’s strong condemnation of EVMs highlights a deep-seated concern regarding electoral integrity in India. His references to other nations abandoning electronic voting underscore a call for reform in the Indian electoral system. By emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability, Raut advocates for a return to traditional voting methods, reflecting a broader discourse on the preservation of democratic values in the country.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
