## VBA’s Prakash Ambedkar Launches Signature Campaign Against EVMs
The Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) has taken a bold stand against Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by launching a Maharashtra-wide agitation. The decision to start this anti-EVM movement was made during the party’s state executive meeting in Pune, just 10 days after the recent state assembly election results.
### The Anti-EVM Agitation Begins
The VBA has declared that their first step in this agitation will be a signature campaign, set to kick off on Tuesday. This campaign will run until December 16, aiming to gather support against the use of EVMs in elections. The party has promised to escalate their protest against EVMs in a phased manner, showing their commitment to this cause.
### Backlash Against EVMs Grows
The Maharashtra election results, which saw the ruling Mahayuti coalition secure a significant victory, have reignited concerns about the trustworthiness of EVMs. Opposition parties, including the VBA, have raised doubts about the credibility of the electronic voting system, with some even advocating for a return to traditional paper ballots.
### Voices of Opposition
Rohit Pawar, a leader from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has joined the chorus of voices questioning the integrity of EVMs. He has called for transparency and urged the Election Commission to allow scrutiny of the machines in question. Pawar’s plea for clarity reflects the growing skepticism surrounding EVMs in the wake of the recent election outcomes.
### Ensuring Accountability
In response to concerns about tampering with EVMs, Maharashtra’s Chief Electoral Officer, S Chockalingam, has issued a stern warning against spreading false information. He has emphasized the importance of maintaining trust in the electoral process and has vowed to take legal action against any individuals found to be making baseless allegations.
As the VBA gears up for their anti-EVM campaign, the political landscape in Maharashtra is poised for further debate and scrutiny over the efficacy of electronic voting technology. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the VBA’s signature campaign unfolds and the broader implications for electoral integrity come to light.
