Congress leader Jairam Ramesh reiterated the stance of the INDIA bloc on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), emphasizing that their concern lies in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking to reporters, Ramesh clarified that the bloc is not against EVMs per se but demands a 100 percent matching of the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) to prevent any manipulation.
This position was endorsed during the INDIA meeting held on December 19, 2023, where all participating parties agreed on the need for safeguarding the electoral system against potential malpractices.
The Congress leader's statement comes in the wake of a petition submitted to the Supreme Court urging a return to paper ballots due to alleged irregularities in EVM functioning.
However, the court declined to entertain the petition, underscoring the inherent positives and negatives associated with different voting methods. Despite this, Ramesh emphasized the importance of addressing concerns related to the integrity of EVMs, particularly by ensuring transparency through VVPAT verification.
Interestingly, Ramesh's position contrasts with that of veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh, who has been vocal in questioning the neutrality of EVMs. Singh has advocated for conducting elections solely through ballot papers, citing doubts surrounding the fairness of EVM-based elections.
He expressed skepticism over the Election Commission's responsiveness to such concerns, alleging close ties between EVM manufacturers and the ruling party.
Ramesh's proactive approach was evident earlier in January when he sought an appointment with the Election Commission to discuss the VVPAT issue with the INDIA bloc leaders.
This proactive engagement underscores the bloc's commitment to ensuring electoral transparency and safeguarding the democratic process. As the debate over EVMs continues, it remains to be seen how stakeholders navigate these concerns while upholding the integrity of India's electoral democracy.
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