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Determined to abolish EVMs even if it takes a century: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav reiterated his call to abolish Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), arguing for ballot papers like those used in other democracies and vowing to pursue abolition even if it takes a century. He cited past elections and alleged irregularities, including 2022 voter disenfranchisement and 2024 results despite EVM use, while linking concerns about smart meters to the EVM debate.
Why It Matters
The stance underscores ongoing debates about electoral reform in India, including EVM use, ballot paper alternatives, and alleged irregularities in past elections.
Timeline
3 Events
Akhilesh Yadav reiterates abolition of EVMs; cites ballot papers and other concerns
May 9, 2026
On May 9, 2026, Yadav reiterated the demand to replace EVMs with ballot papers, arguing that if countries such as the United States, England, and Germany use paper ballots, India should as well. He said he would seek the removal of EVMs even if it takes years or a century. He also alleged that the BJP is fleecing the public through smart meters, which he claimed can be manipulated remotely. He referenced reports of voters being disenfranchised during the 2022 UP elections and said the SP had submitted affidavits to the Election Commission but no action followed. He added that the INDIA bloc in UP would remain robust.
SP claims victory in 2024 general elections despite EVMs
2024
Yadav asserted that the Samajwadi Party rallied support in the 2024 general elections and defeated the Bharatiya Janata Party despite the use of Electronic Voting Machines.
Disenfranchisement allegations during the 2022 UP Assembly elections
2022
Akhilesh Yadav alleged a BJP conspiracy to delete voters' names from electoral rolls and to shift voters to different polling stations during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. He claimed the Samajwadi Party submitted affidavits to the Election Commission and said disenfranchisement was expanded through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to harass voters.