Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 13: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has added its voice to the growing Opposition chorus seeking ballot paper voting for the upcoming civic body elections in the state.

On Tuesday, a delegation of MNS leaders met the State Election Commissioner and submitted a list of demands, which included the use of ballot papers as well as VVPATs (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails) for transparency and voter confidence.

MNS leader Shirish Sawant told reporters that there appeared to be discrepancies in the electoral rolls and concerns over the use of VVPATs. “It seems there is a problem in the rolls. There was also an issue with VVPAT usage,” he said.

Senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar alleged that people felt democracy was “in danger” and challenged the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition to hold polls using ballot papers if they were confident of victory. “If you think you will come to power regardless of the Thackeray cousins (Raj and Uddhav) coming together, then hold the polls with ballot papers,” he asserted.

The demand aligns with that of the Shiv Sena (UBT), which has consistently called for the reintroduction of ballot paper voting, arguing that it would restore public faith in the electoral process over electronic voting machines (EVMs).