Communal Politics Isn’t Hindutva, Prove Integrity with Ballot Paper Elections- Uddhav Thackeray

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief denounces divisive politics, challenges BJP to abandon EVMs for ballot papers, reasserts commitment to “clean Hindutva.”

Mumbai, January 24: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a fierce critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that those who promote communal discord “can’t be Hindus.” He also reaffirmed that his party’s interpretation of Hindutva is “clean” and devoid of divisive politics.

Thackeray made these remarks during a public meeting marking the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

“If you have any shame, keep EVMs aside and hold elections using ballot papers. Anyone who spreads Hindu-Muslim enmity cannot be a Hindu. Our Hindutva is clean,” he said.

Challenge to BJP and EVM System

The former Maharashtra Chief Minister challenged the BJP-led Centre to conduct elections using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). His comments align with the demands raised by opposition leaders in the INDIA bloc, who have questioned the fairness of EVMs and advocated for a return to paper ballots in elections.

Thackeray’s call comes against the backdrop of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered a major defeat, securing only 20 seats, while the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance registered a landslide victory with 235 seats.

Election Commission and Court’s Stance on EVMs

Earlier this month, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar dismissed the idea of returning to paper ballots, calling it “unwarranted and regressive.”

“Returning to the outdated paper ballot system is unwarranted and regressive. This is aimed at derailing the election process,” Kumar said.

Additionally, the Delhi High Court this week dismissed an appeal challenging the use of EVMs in elections across constituencies. The petitioner argued that Section 61-A of election law required specific justifications for using EVMs in each constituency.

The Division Bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, dismissed the appeal, stating:

“We find no merit in the present appeal, and the same is dismissed.”

A Call for Electoral Fairness

Thackeray’s remarks reflect growing concerns among opposition parties about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process under the BJP-led administration. His reaffirmation of “clean Hindutva” is a bid to differentiate his party’s ideology from that of the BJP while addressing the political landscape ahead of future elections.