Fadnavis on EVMs: 'Every Vote Represents Maharashtra', Responds to Opposition's Claims
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Nagpur, Dec 19 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized the Opposition for spearheading a campaign against EVMs while pushing for a return to ballot papers, especially in light of their defeat in the November 20 Assembly elections. He stated, 'EVM means every vote for Maharashtra'.
During the discussion on the Governor's address in the Maharashtra Assembly, Fadnavis urged the Opposition to accept the electoral mandate with an open mind, asserting that their situation would not improve until they engage in self-reflection.
He accused the Opposition of using the campaign against EVMs to disrespect the Constitution.
Referencing poet Mirza Ghalib, Fadnavis remarked: 'Dhul chehere pe thi, aaina saf karata raha' (dust was on the face while the mirror was being cleaned).
He emphasized that the Opposition should reflect on accepting the poll mandate instead of attributing blame to the EVMs.
Fadnavis pointed out that the BJP and MahaYuti did not hold EVMs responsible for their unsatisfactory performance in the Lok Sabha elections.
'We did not blame EVMs. We lost due to a false narrative, but after self-reflection, we took corrective actions,' he stated.
He expressed gratitude to the electorate for the substantial victory of MahaYuti.
'Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted the slogan 'Ek Hai To Safe Hai', and the populace has rallied behind it. The people united and cast their votes for MahaYuti, which secured nearly 50 percent of the total votes,' he added, further claiming: 'I am a modern Abhimanyu, able to penetrate through challenges... that is why I am here. I attribute this success to the BJP and the people.'
Fadnavis also mentioned that the false narrative would be countered with a direct narrative, vowing to dismantle the Opposition's misleading claims concerning EVMs.
He took a jab at the Opposition, stating that they claim victories indicate a robust democracy, yet allege democratic murder when they lose.
'As a seasoned politician, I am astonished that NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar has brought up the EVM issue, suggesting that smaller states are allocated to the India bloc while larger states are given to the BJP and its allies. Sharad Pawar has not raised concerns about EVMs previously, yet now he questions their integrity,' he remarked.
In a lighter tone, Fadnavis commented that Ajit Pawar, now serving as Deputy Chief Minister for the sixth time, will eventually become Chief Minister.
