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EVMs: A Call For National Movement To Defend Democracy
Sangati Manohar Mahajan
EVM
(Source: DPJB/MRP)
(Source: DPJB/MRP)
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), hailed as a tool for efficiency, have become a contentious issue in India's democracy. Concerns over their transparency, accountability, and reliability continue to mount. Despite global skepticism—many developed nations opting against EVMs—India persists with their use. Election irregularities, malfunctions, and doubts about EVM credibility have been repeatedly raised with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and former Chief Election Commissioners. Yet, these warnings remain unheeded, fostering suspicion about the integrity of elections.
Failure Of Opposition To Confront The Issue
The Congress party, along with its coalition partners, has been slow to act against EVM-related controversies. Persistent losses in consecutive elections—marked by unexpected and puzzling results—should have triggered introspection and action. However, their failure to recognize the alleged irregularities in elections like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and the recent general elections reveals a lack of vigilance and accountability. The absence of robust opposition scrutiny allows conspiracies, fraud, and undemocratic practices to go unchecked.
The Congress party, along with its coalition partners, has been slow to act against EVM-related controversies. Persistent losses in consecutive elections—marked by unexpected and puzzling results—should have triggered introspection and action. However, their failure to recognize the alleged irregularities in elections like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and the recent general elections reveals a lack of vigilance and accountability. The absence of robust opposition scrutiny allows conspiracies, fraud, and undemocratic practices to go unchecked.
Impact On Indigenous And Marginalized Communities
The repercussions of EVM controversies extend beyond politics; they affect the very fabric of India's democracy. Communities constituting 90–98% of the population—Shudra castes and Mahajana communities—bear the brunt of systemic exclusion. The current electoral system, allegedly manipulated by dominant forces, undermines the political aspirations of marginalized groups, leaving them powerless against the tide of majoritarian politics.
The repercussions of EVM controversies extend beyond politics; they affect the very fabric of India's democracy. Communities constituting 90–98% of the population—Shudra castes and Mahajana communities—bear the brunt of systemic exclusion. The current electoral system, allegedly manipulated by dominant forces, undermines the political aspirations of marginalized groups, leaving them powerless against the tide of majoritarian politics.
A Clarion Call For National Action
The time for complacency is over. A united front of indigenous political parties, led by Congress and other opposition forces, must spearhead a national movement against EVMs. This movement should focus on:
Exposing irregularities and conspiracies in the electoral system.
Advocating for transparent, accountable, and fair electoral processes.
Mobilizing grassroots support to reclaim the democratic rights of all citizens.
The time for complacency is over. A united front of indigenous political parties, led by Congress and other opposition forces, must spearhead a national movement against EVMs. This movement should focus on:
Exposing irregularities and conspiracies in the electoral system.
Advocating for transparent, accountable, and fair electoral processes.
Mobilizing grassroots support to reclaim the democratic rights of all citizens.
A Democratic War Against Manipulation
The challenges posed by EVMs are not merely technical; they strike at the heart of India's democracy. It is imperative for opposition leaders, especially Rahul Gandhi and Congress, to rise to the occasion and address these concerns decisively. A historic struggle, grounded in transparency and justice, is the need of the hour to restore faith in India's electoral system and uphold the sanctity of its democracy.
The views expressed in this column are solely those of Sangati Manohar Mahajan, Founder and National President of the Mahajana Rajyam Party (MRP).
The challenges posed by EVMs are not merely technical; they strike at the heart of India's democracy. It is imperative for opposition leaders, especially Rahul Gandhi and Congress, to rise to the occasion and address these concerns decisively. A historic struggle, grounded in transparency and justice, is the need of the hour to restore faith in India's electoral system and uphold the sanctity of its democracy.
The views expressed in this column are solely those of Sangati Manohar Mahajan, Founder and National President of the Mahajana Rajyam Party (MRP).
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