Should the ECI Reinstate Ballot Papers?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, the BRS has called for the reinstatement of ballot papers in elections, citing public distrust in electronic voting methods. This demand comes alongside concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, highlighting potential disenfranchisement of voters. Will the ECI heed their call?
Key Takeaways
- BRS demands the return of ballot papers to restore public confidence in elections.
- Concerns over the current SIR could lead to disenfranchisement of voters.
- International practices suggest reliance on paper ballots enhances electoral integrity.
- The party raises alarms about misleading symbols on EVMs that confuse voters.
- Call for greater transparency in the electoral process is vital for democracy.
Hyderabad, Aug 5 (NationPress) The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has strongly urged the Election Commission of India to reinstate ballot papers for upcoming elections, citing public concerns regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The party also called for the cessation of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
A delegation from BRS, led by K. T. Rama Rao, presented this demand during their meeting with the Election Commission in New Delhi.
The party highlighted rising public skepticism towards EVMs, referencing international examples and increasing media reports questioning their reliability.
In their representation to the Election Commission of India (ECI), BRS called for urgent attention to significant issues that could jeopardize electoral fairness.
“We are deeply concerned about suspicions surrounding EVM usage. Numerous media reports have highlighted these issues, and various political entities, activists, and voters have voiced their worries,” the BRS stated in its communication.
The BRS reminded that countries with mature democracies, such as the US, UK, Japan, and Germany, do not employ EVMs for their national elections.
Referencing a 2009 ruling by the German Constitutional Court, the party stressed the necessity for ordinary citizens to verify essential aspects of the electoral process without needing specialized knowledge.
The BRS urged the ECI to consider reinstating paper ballots for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections in November 2025 to enhance public trust in the democratic process.
The delegation met with the Election Commission following an invitation for dialogue, which included Rajya Sabha members K.R. Suresh Reddy, Vaddiraju Ravichandra, former MP B Vinod Kumar, and senior leaders Balka Suman and R.S. Praveen Kumar.
The BRS raised alarms regarding the timing and targeted nature of the current SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar. They described the SIR as unnecessary, particularly with elections approaching, warning that it could result in widespread voter deletions, particularly affecting migrant and marginalized communities.
Concerns about disenfranchising migrant laborers, who often move across states for work, were also voiced. The party asserted that documents such as Aadhaar and Voter ID should suffice for voter eligibility.
In addition, the BRS called for the withdrawal of the current SIR in Bihar, the implementation of biannual, scientific, and transparent revision processes, the formation of all-party committees at the booth level to validate deletions or modifications, and the public display of voter rolls at regular intervals.
The party cautioned that rushed revisions fueled by unverified media narratives could undermine the universal franchise and the integrity of the voters' list.
Furthermore, the BRS highlighted the ongoing misuse of free symbols that closely mimic its reserved election symbol – the Car. They specifically noted eight free symbols – Camera, Chapati Roller, Dolli, Road Roller, Soap Dish, Television, Sewing Machine, and Ship – which could be easily confused with the Car symbol, especially by illiterate and elderly voters.
The BRS reported that in previous elections, including the 2019 Bhongir Lok Sabha election, confusion caused by these symbols led to a significant diversion of votes away from the BRS, benefiting rival or independent candidates.
The party demanded the immediate withdrawal of these eight free symbols and called for permanent measures to protect the visual identity of State Recognized Parties, particularly in states where they play a significant role.
Additionally, the BRS expressed disappointment over the lack of timely responses to its previous representations regarding the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. These concerns included derogatory remarks by rival party leaders, disparities in the Commission’s responses to complaints, and inaction on violations of the Model Code of Conduct, including social media misuse and hate speech.
The party appealed for an urgent reassessment of all pending representations and sought assurance of fair treatment from the ECI.
Point of View
It is crucial for the Election Commission to address these issues seriously, ensuring that all voters feel represented and secure in their voting rights.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does BRS want to reinstate ballot papers?
BRS believes that public skepticism regarding EVMs undermines electoral integrity and calls for a return to more transparent voting methods like ballot papers.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The SIR is an ongoing process in Bihar aimed at updating voter lists, which the BRS claims could lead to disenfranchisement, particularly among migrant populations.
What are the concerns related to EVMs?
The BRS cites rising public distrust and international precedents where EVMs are not used for national elections, emphasizing the need for verifiable voting methods.
How could the SIR affect voters?
The BRS warns that the SIR might result in large-scale deletions of voter registrations, particularly affecting disadvantaged communities.
What measures does BRS propose for electoral reforms?
BRS calls for the withdrawal of the current SIR, introduction of scientific voter list revisions, and the establishment of all-party committees to oversee electoral processes.
