According to reports, at least 17 political parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), are planning to approach Election Commission of India (ECI), demanding use of ballot paper instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to conduct 2019 Lok Sabha elections.Sources in the opposition revealed that 17 political parties will meet the ECI next week. The Opposition claims that the machines could easily be tampered to manipulate election results.
On the use of EVMs Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said “The party leaders should be careful with EVMs. Party cadre should be on full alert. The central government is taking all systems, including the Election Commission into its control. There is a possibility of misusing the EVMs. Party should be very careful in this regard.”
While pitching for the use of ballot papers in polls Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said, “Just one time, I want the BJP to head into elections with ballot papers and not EVMs. All the apprehensions will go away.”
The initiative to seek the support of all opposition parties on the same matter was taken by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee on August 1, when she visited Parliament.
