Akola: Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar has given the Congress December 10 deadline to take a definitive stance on the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Addressing the media on Tuesday, Ambedkar said if Congress fails to act, VBA will lead the fight against EVMs.
Ambedkar launched VBA's statewide "EVM hatao" (remove EVMs) signature campaign from his Akola residence. The campaign, which will end on Dec 16, aims to garner public support against use of EVMs in elections.
Ambedkar said if Congress does not take concrete action on EVM issue by December 10, VBA will lead the movement independently and invite all opposition parties and groups to join. He criticized the Supreme Court's dismissal of a petition challenging EVMs, calling the decision "unjust" and a blow to democratic principles.
Ambedkar raised concerns over the delay in government formation in Maharashtra, questioning why the oath-taking ceremony did not occur by noon on November 29. He demanded answers from the governor and Election Commission. He alleged that central and state intelligence agencies had prepared a list of probable winning candidates before the elections and demanded that this list be made public. He pointed out that the high cost and time required for VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) counting deter authorities from implementing it widely.
Criticising Rahul Gandhi's nationwide Bharat Jodo Yatra terming it "unnecessary" to address the EVM issue. He urged opposition parties to prioritize EVM-related concerns in their electoral agenda.