Pawar Questions EVM Reliability in Maharashtra

Kolhapur, Maharashtra - Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar will visit Markadwadi village in Solapur district tomorrow to investigate why villagers were prohibited from conducting a 'mock ballot paper poll' on December 3rd. The village, which garnered national attention for its planned exercise intended to challenge Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), was met with resistance from local authorities.

Pawar questioned the authorities' decision to prevent the villagers from carrying out the poll, stating, "What is wrong with that? Why were the people of Markadwadi prevented from holding the ‘mock ballot paper poll’ that day?” He emphasized the villagers' desire to understand the outcome of their votes in light of the recent Assembly election results.

The planned 'mock poll' was inspired by NCP MLA Uttamrao S. Jankar and was scheduled for December 3rd. However, local police and district authorities issued prohibitory orders, warning of potential legal action against anyone participating. Local authorities took action against over 100 villagers in response to the planned event.

Pawar cited voting data from the state Assembly elections held last month, highlighting the disparity between votes secured and seats won by different parties. He noted that the MVA allies, despite securing more votes, won fewer seats compared to the MahaYuti allies. The NCP supremo expressed concern over these figures, stating, "These vote figures are amazing…There is something… But I will not comment on anything till we have some basis and evidence to prove all this.”

Pawar suggested possible malpractices in EVM voting, noting that BJP wins in large states but loses in smaller ones, and that Maharashtra's ruling party lacks excitement after a landslide victory.

Pawar's visit to Markadwadi is expected to draw attention, with Congress’ Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also planning a padyatra in the village and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray anticipated to visit as well.