Raj urges parties to boycott polls with use of EVMs
Team Udayavani, Aug 30, 2018, 4:09 PM IST
Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has urged all political parties to boycott elections till the Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines or the ballot paper system are not made available.
In a letter written to chiefs of various political parties, he said since the elections in 2014, there have been doubts about the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The allegations that EVMs are being tampered have been confirmed in all subsequent polls, he claimed.
“In so many constituencies, our corporators and MLAs worked relentlessly and yet they faced defeat. In fact, in so many places the candidates got zero votes. Now, how is this possible?” Thackeray questioned.
He said the First World countries like USA, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and Korea chose to discontinue the use of EVMs and reinstated the ballot system.
“The only countries still using EVMs are India, Nigeria, Venezuela, among others. Why are we insisting on this disputable method?” the MNS chief asked.
One cannot push aside the possibility of EVMs being hacked during the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls due next year, he said, adding that the fundamental right of freedom of expression stands infringed.
“To add to this, if even the Election Commission is coming under siege, then we, as a democratic country, will cease to exist,” he said.
“I appeal to all political parties to come together and demand that till the time VVPAT machines or ballot paper system are not made available, we will not fight elections,” Thackeray said.
MNS secretary Sachin More told PTI that along with the letter, Thackeray has also enclosed a pen drive having an audio-visual demonstration of how EVMs can be hacked, which has already been demonstrated in the Delhi Assembly.
VVPAT is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballot less voting system. It is an independent verification system for voting machines designed to allow voters to verify that their vote was cast correctly.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Wayanad Bypoll: Politics in country, Kerala not genuinely working for people, says Priyanka Gandhi
Malegaon blast trial: Court issues bailable warrant against Pragya Thakur
Maharashtra Polls: Eknath Shinde targets Uddhav for `giving up’ Bal Thackeray’s principles for power
CBI forms SIT to probe into Tirupati laddu adulteration allegations
Out on bail, murder accused shoots dead wife, three children in Varanasi
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
MP Brijesh Chowta urges Kerala CM for strict action against attack on Edneer Swamiji’s vehicle
Mangaluru: Asiatic male lion arrives at Pilikula Zoo
Waqf Notice Issue: Not an accident, but state government’s conspiracy, claims V. Sunil Kumar
Wayanad Bypoll: Politics in country, Kerala not genuinely working for people, says Priyanka Gandhi
Malegaon blast trial: Court issues bailable warrant against Pragya Thakur
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.