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The recent Maharashtra state assembly elections have sparked controversy following the outcome in the Anushakti Nagar constituency. Swara Bhasker, a prominent Bollywood actress and wife of NCP candidate Fahad Ahmad, has publicly questioned the integrity of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the election. Her concerns stem from a significant shift in the vote count during the final stages of the tally, resulting in her husband's defeat. Fahad Ahmad, a candidate for the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), initially held a commanding lead throughout much of the counting process. However, a sudden surge in votes for Sana Malik, the candidate from the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP (which is allied with the BJP), occurred after the opening of EVMs that allegedly still showed a 99% battery charge.
Bhasker took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her skepticism. She highlighted the discrepancy, pointing out that the late-counted EVMs, despite having reportedly been in use all day, registered a surprisingly high battery charge. This observation fueled her suspicion that the machines may have been tampered with, leading to an inaccurate reflection of the actual votes cast. Her tweet directly questioned how EVMs used for an entire day could still possess a 99% charge, further insinuating that the anomaly is a deliberate attempt to influence the outcome. She specifically targeted the Election Commission of India (ECI) and top leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), an opposition alliance, demanding an explanation for this unusual event.
The incident raises serious concerns about the transparency and reliability of the EVM system, a pivotal component of India's electoral process. The fact that a significant reversal in the lead occurred just as these supposedly almost-fully charged machines were opened casts doubt on the fairness of the process. The accusation of partisan influence is grave, and demands a thorough investigation by the Election Commission to address the doubts raised by Swara Bhasker and others who have echoed similar concerns. This is especially important given the backdrop of the landslide victory achieved by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state, which contrasts sharply with the MVA's performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections just a month prior.
Fahad Ahmad himself echoed his wife's sentiments, corroborating the claim that he was leading until the final stages of the vote count. He publicly stated his intention to pursue the matter with the Election Commission. The implications of this case are far-reaching. Not only does it raise concerns about the specific election in Anushakti Nagar, but it also challenges the credibility of the EVM system as a whole, potentially impacting public trust in the electoral process across India. A transparent and independent inquiry is urgently needed to determine whether irregularities occurred and to ensure that such events do not happen again in future elections. The ongoing debate highlights the need for greater transparency in the EVM process and potentially the implementation of better mechanisms for ensuring the integrity of the voting machines.
The contrast between the MVA’s performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections and the current state assembly results is stark. The MVA, which secured 30 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the preceding month, is trailing far behind in the assembly elections, with a projection of only 56 seats out of 288. This significant drop in their performance, coupled with the controversial events in Anushakti Nagar, has raised further questions about the fairness and conduct of the elections. The allegations made by Swara Bhasker warrant a comprehensive and impartial investigation. Failure to do so would severely undermine the credibility of the electoral system and deepen public distrust. The issue underscores the importance of robust election oversight, and the need for effective mechanisms to address allegations of electoral malpractice.
The broader context of the NDA's sweeping victory in Maharashtra further complicates the issue. While the NDA's success is undeniable, the allegations surrounding the Anushakti Nagar constituency raise concerns about potential manipulation that could have broader implications. A thorough and independent examination of the events is necessary to assure the public of the integrity of the electoral system. This goes beyond simply addressing the concerns raised by Swara Bhasker and Fahad Ahmad; it involves safeguarding the democratic process itself. The implications of this incident extend beyond a single election result and touch upon the fundamental principles of free and fair elections in a democratic society.
Source: Swara Bhasker's EVM Rant As Husband Fahad Ahmad Trails After Steady Lead