India News
The recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, initially predicted as a close contest by various polls, turned out to be a one-sided affair on the day of the results. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which aspired to form the government, faced a significant defeat. This loss included the downfall of several prominent leaders, prompting the MVA to question the integrity of the election process and the role of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The first day of the special legislative session saw MVA leaders refusing to take their oaths as MLAs, instead staging protests in the Vidhan Bhavan premises. MVA leader Aditya Thackeray stated, “Questions are being raised about whether this mandate is from the people or the Election Commission’s EVMs. Villagers in Markadwadi demanded a mock polling exercise, but the authorities did not allow it. We are respecting the public sentiment by not taking the oath today. We will do so tomorrow.”
The controversy intensified in Markadwadi, a village in Solapur’s Malshiras Taluka, where residents demanded a mock polling exercise to verify the election results. The exercise was halted following police intervention, raising further suspicion. Reports suggest that both Sharad Pawar and Rahul Gandhi might visit the village to address the issue.
Jitendra Awhad alleged, “Some villagers were arrested last night. This government was not elected democratically. Even if we had won, we wouldn’t take the oath today. The villagers of Markadwadi decided to conduct ballot paper voting. Why should the police or Election Commission intervene? This raises doubts about the legitimacy of this government.”
Congress leader Nana Patole emphasized the lack of trust in the election process, saying, “This government has come to power by stealing votes, not through public mandate. The government should have allowed the mock polling in Markadwadi to address public concerns and uphold democratic principles.”
The MVA’s actions reflect growing dissatisfaction with the electoral process and a call for greater transparency. The protests and demands for ballot paper-based elections underscore the alliance’s effort to challenge the legitimacy of the newly-formed government. The ongoing debates are likely to dominate political discourse in Maharashtra in the coming weeks.
Advertisment
