Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has once again called for elections in India to be held using ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines. Speaking to the media, Yadav said, 'The entire UK voted using ballots. Are we ahead of England? This demand is not new; it has always been a call from socialists.'
Yadav's Strong Stance on EVMs
Yadav has been a vocal critic of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), alleging that they can be tampered with to manipulate election results. He has consistently advocated for a return to the traditional paper ballot system, which he believes ensures greater transparency and fairness. The Samajwadi Party leader argued that if a developed nation like the United Kingdom can conduct its elections using ballot papers, India should also adopt the same method.
Political Reactions
The demand has sparked a debate among political parties. While some opposition parties have supported Yadav's call, ruling party leaders have dismissed it as an attempt to undermine the credibility of India's electoral process. The Election Commission of India has repeatedly defended EVMs, stating that they are secure and tamper-proof.
Yadav's statement comes ahead of the upcoming state elections in Uttar Pradesh, where the Samajwadi Party is a key contender. The party has made electoral reforms a central issue in its campaign, promising to ensure free and fair elections if voted to power.
Political analysts note that the debate over EVMs versus ballot papers is not new in Indian politics. Several opposition parties have raised concerns about the reliability of EVMs, but the Election Commission has maintained that no evidence of tampering has been found in any election so far.
