Congress Pushes for Return to Ballot Papers, Citing EVM Transparency Concerns
The Congress party has intensified its call for elections to be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Party president Mallikarjun Kharge announced plans to launch a large-scale movement, similar to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, to pressure the Election Commission into implementing this change. Kharge alleged that EVMs are vulnerable to fraud, undermining the integrity of India’s electoral process. The issue of EVM tampering has been a point of contention for years. Allegations began during the 2019 general elections, where the BJP achieved a sweeping victory, and have continued through various state elections, including the YSR Congress Party's (YSRCP) overwhelming success in Andhra Pradesh. Critics have often claimed that EVM manipulation favors the ruling parties, although the Supreme Court has repeatedly dismissed petitions challenging their use. The court noted that such objections often emerge from parties unhappy with election outcomes. Despite these rulings, public mistrust of EVMs persists. Congress argues that reverting to ballot papers, as used in countries like the United States, would ensure greater transparency and rebuild voter confidence. Proponents believe the physical accountability of ballot papers could address doubts surrounding electoral fraud. The push for ballot papers has gained momentum, particularly among opposition parties, but whether the ruling BJP alliance will entertain these demands remains uncertain. Observers suggest that if public discontent grows into widespread protests, the government might be compelled to revisit the debate. As concerns over electoral transparency escalate, the coming days could see a significant shift in how India approaches its voting process.
