Akhilesh Yadav Advocates for Ballot Voting Amid EVM Distrust

Akhilesh Yadav advocates for ballot voting over electronic voting machines (EVMs), citing distrust in the latter. He emphasized the importance of transparent electoral processes and supported by Rahul Kumar Kamboj, calls for strengthened Indian-German ties, particularly in cultural exchanges and creating opportunities for youth.

Akhilesh Yadav, the president of the Samajwadi Party, has advocated for the reinstatement of ballot papers for elections, expressing significant doubt regarding the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs). During a recent press conference held at the party headquarters in Lucknow alongside Rahul Kumar Kamboj, a member of Parliament from Germany, Yadav asserted that, “No one trusts EVMs. Even the faces of those who win elections seem dejected as they too do not have faith in the system.” Kamboj supported Yadav’s statement, drawing comparisons to Germany’s use of ballot papers, which allow for transparency through the possibility of recounts.

Yadav further remarked on the necessity of creating a trustworthy electoral process, citing that countries like Germany successfully conduct elections with ballots. He emphasized that there is a crucial need for elections which foster faith among the populace. Kamboj, in his remarks, underscored the importance of fostering connections between Indian and German communities, highlighting collaborative efforts to tap into opportunities present in Europe that could benefit regions in India, particularly Uttar Pradesh.

Both Yadav and Kamboj expressed enthusiasm for enhancing bilateral relations between India and Germany, focusing on opportunities for cultural exchanges. Yadav reminisced about his past visits to Germany, pointing out the quality of infrastructure, particularly the roads, which inspired improvements in his home state. He reiterated his commitment to offering better educational and vocational opportunities for youth in Uttar Pradesh to secure their futures.

The discussion surrounding the reliability of electronic voting machines has gained prominence in India, with several political leaders expressing concerns regarding their integrity. Akhilesh Yadav, as a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and the current leader of the Samajwadi Party, voices a common sentiment among critics who argue that EVMs may compromise the transparency and fairness crucial to democratic elections. Their advocacy for usage of ballot papers often references practices in other democracies, such as Germany, where such systems are believed to enhance accountability and public trust in electoral processes.

In conclusion, Akhilesh Yadav’s strong advocacy for reverting to ballot papers underscores significant apprehensions about the trustworthiness of electronic voting machines in India. His remarks, supported by Rahul Kumar Kamboj, call attention to practices in countries like Germany that prioritize accountability in elections. This discourse emphasizes a broader need for transparent systems and fortifies the objective of enhancing international partnerships that could ultimately benefit local communities, especially in terms of educational and professional opportunities.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com