Have faith in EVMs, says Ajit Pawar
Deputy CM rules out return of ballot papers in Maharashtra
Even as the demand for the use of ballot papers in elections is growing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said that he has complete faith in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Saying that it was not correct to blame the EVMs for the defeat in the elections, he made it clear that the state government does not want ballot papers in Maharashtra.
“Everything is fine with people in any party if they get a majority. But they start alleging that EVMs were managed if they get routed. EVMs are working fine. I have complete faith in them. I have also contested several elections and has no problem with the voting being held through EVMs,” Mr Pawar said on Thursday.
Citing the example of Congress’ victory in Rajasthan and Punjab Assembly elections, the NCP leader said the party registered its victory and formed the government in both the states while the voting was conducted through EVMs.
Nana Patole, who recently resigned as Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha speaker, to become state Congress president, had asked the State Legislature to frame a law to give voters the option of using ballot papers besides EVMs in local governing bodies and Assembly polls.
When asked about Mr Patole’s statement, Mr Pawar said, “Each individual can have a different view. They think that way and I have said what I feel about the use of EVMs.”
The NCP leader also said, the MVA government, in which the Shiv Sena and the Congress are the other two constituents, does not want the use of ballot papers in Maharashtra.
Reacting on Mr Pawar’s comments, Mr Patole said that it was his individual right to demand for ballot papers and the state government should make such a provision for those who do not want EVMs to vote in the polls.