Akhilesh Yadav advocates for ballot voting over electronic machines, citing distrust in EVMs. He collaborates with MP Rahul Kamboj, who supports this view by highlighting Germany’s voting system. Both political leaders aim to enhance ties between India and Germany, focusing on cultural exchanges and youth opportunities.
In a recent press conference at the Samajwadi Party headquarters in Lucknow, party president Akhilesh Yadav urged the need to revert to ballot paper voting in elections, expressing concerns about the reliability of electronic voting machines (EVMs). He highlighted that even countries like Germany use ballot papers, suggesting that India’s reliance on EVMs serves vested interests. Yadav remarked, “No one trusts EVMs. Even the faces of those who win elections seem dejected as they too do not have faith in the system.”
Accompanying him was Rahul Kumar Kamboj, an Indian-origin Member of Parliament from Germany, who supported Yadav’s stance by emphasizing Germany’s effective ballot-paper voting system, which allows for discrepancies to be resolved through recounts. Furthermore, he discussed his initiatives to foster cultural exchanges between India and Germany, inviting participation in upcoming cultural festivals and asserting that visa issues would no longer be a barrier. Kamboj expressed a desire to bridge opportunities from Europe to India, particularly within Uttar Pradesh.
Yadav welcomed Kamboj, expressing eagerness to enhance bilateral ties, which he believes will significantly benefit the local populace. He underscored the importance of improving educational and employment opportunities for the youth, thereby fostering a brighter future. Relating a personal experience from his own government trip to Germany, Yadav admired the quality of German roads, noting that this inspired projects, such as the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. He vowed to continue efforts to create opportunities for the next generation while strengthening connections between the two nations.
Akhilesh Yadav’s call for a return to ballot voting arises amidst ongoing debates about the integrity and trustworthiness of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in India. Concerns over EVM reliability have led some political figures to advocate for more traditional methods of voting. This issue is particularly pertinent given the need for public confidence in the electoral process, which is crucial for a functioning democracy. The mention of Germany’s voting system adds a comparative perspective, showcasing alternatives that may be perceived as more transparent in the electoral process.
In summary, Akhilesh Yadav’s proposal for transitioning back to ballot paper voting reflects growing concerns regarding the security of electronic voting systems in India. Supported by Rahul Kamboj, the emphasis on learning from international practices highlights the importance of improving electoral trust. The dialogue between India and Germany aims not only to bolster cultural ties but also to enhance future opportunities for the youth, emphasizing the necessity for improved infrastructure and educational prospects.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
