Sanjay Raut, MP and editor of Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece “Saamna,” has condemned Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as harmful to India’s democracy, blaming them for his party’s poor election results. Citing examples from various countries that have opted for paper ballots, Raut stressed the need for transparency in elections, calling out judicial and governmental failures in supporting EVMs.
In his recent column, Sanjay Raut, a Member of Parliament and editor of the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece “Saamna,” has expressed strong criticisms of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), labeling them a significant detriment to India’s democracy. He attributed the party’s underwhelming performance in the assembly elections conducted on November 20 to the perceived flaws in the EVM system. Raut argued that the integrity of elections will remain compromised until there is a reversion to traditional ballot paper elections, drawing parallels to various countries that have discarded EVMs for this reason.
Raut highlighted that countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany have either banned or avoided the use of EVMs due to concerns over transparency and electoral integrity. For instance, he noted that the Netherlands prohibited EVMs in 2006, and in 2009, Germany’s Supreme Court ruled elections conducted via EVMs to be invalid. He also referenced sentiments from prominent figures such as Elon Musk, who has referred to EVMs as capable of manipulation through hacking. Raut lamented the current state of democratic processes in India, critiquing the Supreme Court’s endorsement of EVMs and calling for a return to a more transparent voting method.
Additionally, Raut criticized former Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Chandrachud’s judicial decisions, which he claimed protected an unconstitutional government in Maharashtra, exacerbating tensions in the state. His critical comments extended to the caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, implying his health issues require more mystical interventions than medical ones. Other Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Aaditya Thackeray, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s delays post-election, asserting that this inefficiency is an affront to both the citizens of Maharashtra and the Election Commission.
The discourse surrounding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Indian elections has been contentious, particularly after recent assembly polls. Prominent political figures, such as Sanjay Raut, have raised alarms about the credibility of an electoral system that, they contend, has led to questionable outcomes. The debate mirrors global concerns about the reliability of electronic voting, with several nations abandoning EVMs in favor of traditional voting methods due to perceived vulnerabilities and lack of transparency. This situation is set against a backdrop of ongoing scrutiny of the political landscape in Maharashtra and across India, with leaders calling for reformed electoral practices that ensure democracy is upheld.
Sanjay Raut’s vehement opposition to Electronic Voting Machines underscores a significant concern regarding electoral integrity in India. His appeal for a return to traditional ballot paper voting resonates with similar movements in countries where EVMs have been abandoned. The criticisms of influential figures in the judiciary and local government further complicate the political atmosphere, indicating a pressing need for reform to restore public confidence in the democratic process.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
