Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has recently raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in India, specifically questioning the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Speaking at a press conference in Nagpur, Thackeray suggested that if the people have doubts regarding EVMs, the solution could be to revert to using traditional ballot papers for elections.
According to him, this would address concerns and help restore confidence in the system. He further emphasized that if the same majority is achieved through ballot voting, no one would raise questions about its fairness again.
Thackeray also proposed that the Election Commissioner should be elected by the people, much like the President.
He argued that if the President can be elected through a democratic process, there is no reason why the Election Commissioner should not be chosen by the people as well. This suggestion reflects his belief that such appointments should be more transparent and subject to public scrutiny.
His statements come at a time when doubts over EVM reliability have been raised, particularly after the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections. Various political parties, including the Congress, have questioned the security and fairness of the EVM system.
Congress had even presented demonstrations suggesting that EVMs could be hacked, but these claims were dismissed by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Thackeray’s call for a return to ballot papers seems to be a response to these growing concerns.
The issue of ‘One Nation, One Election’ was also brought up by Thackeray, but he made it clear that this should not be the immediate priority. According to him, the focus should first be on ensuring the transparency of the electoral process and addressing concerns surrounding the current system.
He stressed that people need to feel assured that their votes are counted fairly, and that the electoral body is working in their best interests.
Thackeray also commented on the political situation in Maharashtra, where there have been reports of dissatisfaction among some leaders of the Mahayuti alliance, who feel left out of the newly formed government.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, however, stated that he is not concerned about these internal issues, adding that those running the government would eventually understand the complexities involved.
Thackeray took the opportunity to point out that much of the criticism directed at him earlier is now being exposed, and the public is becoming aware of the ongoing political dynamics in the state.
In addition, Thackeray mentioned his continued communication with veteran political leader Chhagan Bhujbal, though he clarified that Bhujbal had not raised any concerns about the current government with him.
His remarks reflect his understanding of the political shifts and the ongoing realignments within Maharashtra's political landscape.
The context of Thackeray's comments can be traced back to the electoral outcomes of the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance achieved a resounding victory, securing 235 seats in total, with the BJP emerging as the single-largest party, winning 132 seats.
Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) made notable gains, securing 57 and 41 seats, respectively.
On the other hand, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which included Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), suffered a significant setback in the polls. Congress, in particular, had a poor showing, winning just 16 seats.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) managed to win 20 seats, while the NCP secured only 10 seats, leaving the MVA with a substantial loss in influence within the state legislature.
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