Opposition’s protest against EVMs futile: Prakash Ambedkar | Mumbai news - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Opposition’s protest against EVMs futile: Prakash Ambedkar

Hindustan Times, Mumbai | By, Mumbai
Aug 05, 2019 11:40 AM IST

Opposition parties – including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Congress, NCP, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) and AAP – have declared to hold a morcha in Mumbai on August 21, demanding scrapping of EVMs and reintroduction of ballot papers.

Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar has criticised the opposition parties’ proposed morcha against electronic voting machines (EVM’s) as an “aimless” and “futile” exercise. He also ruled out his participation in the protest.

Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar(Anshuman Poyrekar/HT Photo)
Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar(Anshuman Poyrekar/HT Photo)

Opposition parties – including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) – have declared to hold a morcha in Mumbai on August 21, demanding scrapping of EVMs and reintroduction of ballot papers.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“Since most opposition political leaders are under pressure from various agencies, they are resorting to such tactics that will yield no results. I am on the right path as I have petitioned the [Bombay high] court that this was a faulty system and only that can give results,” said Ambedkar. The opposition parties lashed out at Ambedkar, saying it was clear that he was working towards helping the BJP indirectly. “It is a democracy and we need to educate the people and agitate. Ambedkar is very clear that he wants to help the BJP by not aligning with the opposition parties. He did the same during the Lok Sabha polls and because of him contesting independently, many opposition candidates lost. This ensured the one-side win of BJP-Shiv Sena,” said the leader of a major opposition party.

In the last few months, MNS chief Raj Thackeray has actively pursued this issue and urged several leaders to join the fight. Last month, he met Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. Recently, he met West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee who promised her support.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Naresh is a Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times, Mumbai, since 2005. He covers the real estate sector, in addition to doing political reportage.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 15, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On