Date: November 26, 2024
Jagan Mohan Reddy Questions EVMs Amid Election Defeat
Jagan Mohan Reddy EVM Allegations
It has been six months since Andhra Pradesh witnessed a decisive electoral outcome favoring the NDA alliance. Despite the clear mandate, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, whose YSR Congress Party (YCP) saw a steep decline from 151 seats in 2019 to just 11 seats in 2024, continues to question the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
On the occasion of India’s 75th Constitution Day, Jagan reiterated his doubts about EVMs, reigniting the debate about their credibility. He tweeted, “The cornerstone of democracy is electing public representatives. Widespread concern across the nation about EVM functioning prompts us to question their veracity. Why not revert to ballot papers, as practiced in many countries worldwide?”
Jagan Mohan Reddy: A Controversial Narrative
Jagan’s comments have stirred controversy, with critics pointing out that he previously celebrated his 2019 landslide victory conducted with the same EVMs. NDA leaders have accused him of selective criticism, highlighting that his concerns emerged only after a significant electoral defeat.
This narrative shift comes as a surprise, given Jagan’s reputation as a dynamic leader capable of introspection and strategy. Instead of analyzing his party’s internal shortcomings, he seems to have fixated on the EVM issue, leaving his party with little actionable direction.
Lack of Accountability in YCP
What stands out is Jagan’s apparent reluctance to conduct internal reviews of the party’s performance. In the six months since the election, there has been no reported meeting with ex-ministers or party strategists to understand the reasons behind the loss. This inaction has left many questioning YCP’s preparedness for the next electoral battle.
Calls for Paper Ballots
Jagan’s demand to return to paper ballots aligns with a broader skepticism about EVMs in India. However, this argument fails to hold water when considering that the same system facilitated his earlier victories. While paper ballots are used in some countries, the Indian Election Commission maintains that EVMs are tamper-proof and reliable.
The Political Fallout of Jagan Mohan Reddy
The longer Jagan sticks to this narrative, the more it risks alienating his supporters. Political analysts argue that this strategy could harm YCP’s credibility. Instead of addressing voter concerns or strategizing for future elections, Jagan appears to be diverting attention toward an unproductive debate.
The Need for Introspection
A young and experienced leader like Jagan has the potential to bounce back by addressing the reasons behind his defeat. Factors such as governance, voter dissatisfaction, and opposition strategies likely played significant roles in the election outcome. A comprehensive review and course correction could help YCP regain its footing.
Conclusion
Jagan Mohan Reddy’s insistence on blaming EVMs for YCP’s defeat may resonate with some of his core supporters, but it does little to prepare the party for future challenges. For a party that once enjoyed a strong mandate, this narrative of denial could prove costly in the long run. It’s high time Jagan shifts focus from EVMs to introspection and proactive planning.