Disha Tandon, Pune
Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has raised doubts over the Haryana election results, and extended support to Congress’s allegations of EVM rigging. Comparing the Haryana result to the fate that befell the YSRCP in elections recently held in Andhra Pradesh, Jagan called for a return to paper ballots to restore faith in the democratic process.
On Wednesday, Reddy commented on Twitter: The Haryana election results were just like Andhra Pradesh in the sense that it went against popular perception. “Another election result confounds popular perception. Haryana election result is no different from Andhra Pradesh, where cases are pending in courts,” Jagan stated, referring to the YSRCP’s dismal performance, which saw it reduced to just 11 seats in the 175-member assembly.
There is merit in what Jagan said as the Congress had been growing increasingly worried over the Haryana election, which the exit polls declared in favor of the grand old party, only for the BJP to secured an unexpected win. Since then, the Congress, under the leadership of Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has questioned the counting process at several places, especially regarding discrepancies in the EVM and postal ballot counts. The complaints have been formally moved before the Election Commission.
Reddy’s vociferous protest on behalf of Congress over the latter’s grievances mirrors his own party’s grievance in Andhra Pradesh, where the YSRCP’s defeat left many stammering into doubts. “In a democracy like ours, democracy should not only be prevalent but also seen to be thriving. Only way to ensure both, is going back to Paper Ballot,” Jagan asserted.
He said that still many developed nations, USA, UK, and Canada use paper ballots, so India should do the same. “It is time we make changes with the rest of the world and move towards Paper Ballot, which would enhance the confidence of the electorate,” he added.
While the Congress hasn’t found many takers for its legal challenges to the Haryana results, the Election Commission has outrightly dismissed all allegations as a “rejection of the will of the people.” However, this alleged war of words has revived the discussion about the infallibility of the electronic voting machines (EVMs), which have gained prominence lately. The controversy has also called for reforms that would facilitate greater transparency in the electoral process of India.