Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday supported the opposition's demand for voting via ballot paper in the upcoming municipal elections in the state.
Mumbai: Regarding the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra, Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has supported the opposition's demand for conducting elections using ballot papers. MNS leaders say that the use of ballot papers is necessary to increase transparency in the election process and enhance public trust. MNS leaders met with the State Election Commissioner and submitted a list of their demands. This delegation also included the use of VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail).
VVPAT technology provides the voter with a paper slip after casting a vote on an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), allowing them to ensure that their vote has been cast for the correct candidate. The MNS says that even with the use of EVMs and VVPAT, conducting elections using ballot papers can further increase public trust.
Concerns About Voter Lists
MNS leader Shirish Sawant said that there are potential discrepancies in the voter list and it needs to be investigated seriously. He emphasized, "We want the elections to be completely transparent so that no one can question the results. The public should have confidence that their voice is being properly recorded in a democracy."
MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar also emphasized public concern, saying, "People feel that democracy is in danger. If there is a challenge in coming to power despite political unity, then what problem can there be in conducting elections with ballot papers?"
Shiv Sena (UBT) Support
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray group) is also with the MNS on this issue. Shiv Sena has long been demanding elections to be conducted by ballot paper instead of EVMs. They say that the ballot paper makes the election process more transparent and trustworthy. Both Shiv Sena and MNS believe that maintaining public trust in elections is crucial for democracy. The ballot paper process allows voters to ensure that their vote has been cast for the correct candidate, which will reduce any kind of dispute over election results.
The MNS says that in the current times, public trust is declining due to discrepancies in the voter list and questions being raised about EVMs. They have urged the State Election Commission to thoroughly investigate the voter list and make the election process more transparent. Municipal elections are to be held in several important cities in the state and these elections have a direct impact on the political environment. The support of MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) for conducting elections with ballot papers is being seen as a b message in this direction.
