Maharashtra civic body polls: MNS leaders meet State Election Commissioner, demand use of ballot papers in election

MNS chief Raj Thackeray (File image)

Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday joined Opposition chorus demanding to hold upcoming Maharashtra civic body polls using ballot papers.

MNS leader Shirish Sawant-led delegation met State Election Commissioner on Tuesday, and presented a list of demands which included use of VVPATs (voter verifiable paper audit trails) — which is a method of providing feedback to voters who use an electronic voting machine.

Sawant said, "It appears there is a problem in electoral rolls. There was also an issue of use of VVPATs."

PTI quoted MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar as saying that people think democracy is in "danger". He said, "What is the issue in holding polls using ballot papers? If you (the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition) think you will come to power irrespective of the Thackeray cousins (Raj and Uddhav) coming together, then hold polls using ballot papers."

Another Opposition party in the state — Shiv Sena (UBT) — has also demanded holding elections using ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

(With PTI inputs)