Wed Nov 27 16:40:11 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Congress Launches Signature Campaign Against EVMs
**Mumbai, November 27, 2024** – The Maharashtra Congress launched a major campaign Wednesday demanding a return to traditional ballot papers in Indian elections, citing concerns over the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Party chief Nana Patole announced a nationwide signature drive aiming to collect “crores” of signatures to be submitted to the President, Prime Minister, Chief Election Commissioner, and Chief Justice of India.
The campaign, set to begin within two days, will be spearheaded by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who will soon embark on a nationwide tour advocating for ballot paper voting. This follows similar calls from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who suggested a campaign on the scale of the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Patole stated the campaign is not just a political maneuver, but a response to widespread public concern over the Maharashtra election results. He criticized the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the use of EVMs, arguing the court failed to adequately consider constitutional provisions regarding voter rights.
The Congress’s Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), have also pledged to form legal teams to challenge the use of EVMs.
In contrast, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged the MVA to accept defeat and avoid blaming EVMs. He pointed to the MVA’s recent Nanded Lok Sabha byelection victory as evidence of functioning EVMs and accused the MVA of spreading lies.
Meanwhile, veteran social activist Baba Adhav announced a three-day fast beginning November 28th, protesting what he called a “mockery of the Constitution and democracy” due to concerns surrounding the recent elections.
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