INDIA Bloc Divided Over EVM Issue: Supriya Sule Counters Congress Allegations

INDIA Bloc Divided Over EVM Issue: The opposition alliance, INDIA bloc, seems to be split in their opinions over the legitimacy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Supriya Sule, NCP’s top leader and MP, has recently countered claims by Congress that EVMs were being manipulated. This follows statements by National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and Chief Minister of West Bengal, and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, who also vouched for EVM-based voting.

Supriya Sule made her remarks when the Baramati assembly elections had been under scanner. Yugendra Pawar, who had lost, had demanded a recount of the votes. “It is my personal view that Yugendra Pawar should not ask for the recounting of the votes. Therefore, I asked him to withdraw the application for recounting, and he has done so,” she said.

Responding to the reliability of EVMs, Supriya Sule said, “When I was elected four times through EVM votes, how can I say that there is a scam in it?” She was categorical in her defense of a system that had been one of the core concerns of the Congress party in its protest.

Divided Sentiment in the INDIA Alliance

This brings the INDIA bloc’s solidarity on the EVM issue under question, as Supriya Sule’s statement has found similarities in the opinions of other opposition leaders such as Omar Abdullah and Mamata Banerjee. Abdullah had supported EVMs earlier; however, Banerjee also recently spoke in favor of the technology despite having spoken out against it earlier. However, Congress remains skeptical about the working of EVMs, often bringing up the matter before the Election Commission and even in public forums.

On the issue of electoral transparency, Supriya Sule acknowledged that, indeed, there are concerns going beyond the use of EVMs or ballot papers. “Many people are saying there are a lot of questions about the voters’ list,” she said. However, she stressed that transparency is what matters most in the electoral process. “If things are done transparently, be it EVMs or ballots, then what is the issue? ” she asked. She further added, “If people prefer elections using ballot papers, then let it be done that way. What is the problem?

The debate over EVMs is to reach the Supreme Court in January 2025. A petition filed by former Haryana Cabinet Minister and five-time MLA Karan Singh Dalal, along with Lakhan Kumar Singla, a candidate in the Haryana elections, seeks verification and scrutiny of EVMs.

The petition, placed before Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, is to order the follow-up protocol of inspection on the “original burnt memory” or microcontroller of four parts of EVMs-the Control Unit, Ballot Unit, VVPAT, and Symbol Loading Unit.

According to the petitioners, the scrutiny will improve the people’s trust in the election process as Dalal and Singla, the two individuals, secured the second-highest votes in their respective constituencies.

The debate over EVMs has exposed cracks within the INDIA bloc, and the question remains whether the alliance can stand united on key issues. While leaders like Sule, Abdullah, and Banerjee express faith in the system, Congress’ persistent doubts have exposed a divide that may affect the bloc’s cohesion ahead of future elections. The Supreme Court’s decision on the Haryana petition may further shape the narrative around EVMs and electoral transparency.