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Key Points

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati has launched a strong critique of Electronic Voting Machines, claiming they are being manipulated to undermine her party's electoral chances. She is advocating for a return to paper ballot voting, believing it will restore her party's political fortunes. Mayawati warns BSP workers not to be disheartened and suggests a potential political regime change is imminent. The veteran Dalit leader also cautioned against opportunistic leaders who might divide Dalit vote banks.

Key Points: Mayawati Blames EVMs Seeks Paper Ballot Revival for BSP

  • Mayawati alleges EVM manipulation undermining BSP's electoral prospects
  • Claims anti-Dalit forces conspiring against party
  • Calls for return to paper ballot voting system
  • Warns against opportunistic Dalit leaders
2 min read

Mayawati pins hope of BSP bounce-back on revival of paper ballots

BSP Chief Mayawati challenges EVM credibility, predicts regime change and hopes for electoral revival through paper ballots

"A change of regime is on the cards in the country and this will surely bring back ballot papers - Mayawati"

Lucknow, June 5

Seeking the re-introduction of paper ballots, Bahujan Samaj Party National President Mayawati on Thursday blamed the alleged manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for her party’s recent diminishing electoral success.

“Most of the Opposition parties, including our party, want that all the small and big elections in the country should be conducted through ballot papers like before. But this is not possible under the current government,” said Mayawati, in her address to media persons.

Looking to revitalise her party cadre in the backdrop of recent electoral reverses, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said, “A change of regime is on the cards in the country and this will surely bring back ballot papers. Therefore, BSP workers need not feel disheartened and should remain focussed on strengthening the organisation.”

She said anti-Dalit forces have joined hands with other parties to weaken the BSP and manipulate EVMs to prevent party candidates from winning elections.

“Considering the prevailing political mood in the country, the EVM related voting system can change any moment and all elections will be conducted using paper ballots. The return of paper ballots would also bring back good times for the BSP,” said Mayawati.

The Dalit leader also trained her guns on forces which, she claimed, were trying to mislead BSP workers and supporters and weaken forces devoted to the welfare of the marginalised sections.

In a subtle reference to the exit of former BSP MP from Bijnor, Malook Nagar, in April, Mayawati said the Dalits would never benefit even if opportunist leaders – who work at the behest of parties like the Congress, BJP and Samajwadi Party – become MPs, MLAs or ministers.

Without naming emerging Dalit leader from Uttar Pradesh Chandrashekhar Azad of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), Mayawati also alerted voters against opportunistic organistions and leaders who “misuse” the names of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram as part of a conspiracy to split Dalit votes, ultimately benefitting other parties.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
EVMs have reduced booth capturing and made elections more transparent. Going back to paper ballots would be regressive. Mayawatiji should focus on connecting with young voters instead of blaming technology for electoral losses. 🗳️
P
Priya M.
As someone from UP, I remember the chaos of paper ballots - counting took days and there were always allegations of tampering. EVMs may not be perfect but they're better than the old system. BSP needs new ideas, not old methods.
S
Sanjay T.
Interesting how all parties blame EVMs when they lose but never when they win! BSP's decline has more to do with leadership vacuum after Kanshi Ram era. Paper ballots won't solve that fundamental problem.
N
Neha P.
Mayawatiji makes valid points about Dalit unity being weakened by splinter groups. But constantly playing victim card won't help. BSP should show what positive work they'll do for communities rather than just attacking others.
A
Amit S.
EVM tampering claims need proper evidence. Our Election Commission has global credibility. That said, a hybrid system with VVPAT could address concerns while keeping benefits of electronic voting. Why not discuss that instead?
K
Kavita R.
BSP used to stand for social justice, now it just sounds bitter. Instead of blaming EVMs, they should introspect why even their core voters are looking elsewhere. Times have changed, but their rhetoric hasn't. 😔

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