Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar said on Wednesday that the electronic voting machine (EVM) will ensure fair voting and show the right number of votes. This comment by NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar differs from his party’s stance on EVMs.
Ajit Pawar jokingly said that EVMs allow the losing candidates to be placed in the machine. Pawar, who represents the Baramati assembly, said, “I have fought six to seven elections in which EVMs have been used.” This machine ensures the correct turnout and shows the correct numbers.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had said in the past that the state cabinet would take a decision after discussing whether the legislation would give voters the option to vote in the polls other than EVM. Two days before his statement, then-Assembly Speaker Nana Patole urged the Legislature to pass legislation to allow voters to vote in local bodies and assembly elections with EVMs.
Asked for comment on Patol’s statement, Pawar said, “If there is any suggestion, the chief minister and his cabinet members will discuss it and take a final decision.” We decide after a discussion. “EVMs save paper and money, so the use of ballots has stopped,” Pawar said.
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