Congress Raises Questions on EVMs Only After Losing Elections: Union Minister Jitendra Singh
||Black and White Digital News ||
||November 23,2024 ||
JAMMU: Union Minister Jitendra Singh has criticized the Congress party for questioning the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), asserting that the party raises concerns only when it loses elections. His remarks come in the wake of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance’s victory in Maharashtra, attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and “people-friendly schemes.” The comments also reflect the ongoing political debate over EVMs, which has resurfaced after the Congress’s performance in recent elections.
This statement encapsulates the broader narrative of BJP’s electoral success and the Congress’s alleged inconsistency in its stance on EVMs. It also highlights the celebratory reactions from both parties in Jammu and Kashmir, following contrasting election outcomes in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Wayanad.
1.BJP’s Maharashtra Victory:
– Jitendra Singh credited the BJP’s win in Maharashtra to Prime Minister Modi’s “devotion and dedication.”
– He emphasized the role of the BJP’s “double-engine government,” a term used to signify governance synergy between the state and central governments.
– Singh highlighted voter trust in the BJP-led alliance’s policies and governance.
2.EVM Controversy:
– Singh accused Congress of selectively questioning EVMs, stating that the party accepts results favorably when it wins but blames EVMs when it loses.
– He cited Congress’s victories in Wayanad and Jharkhand as examples where the party raised no concerns about EVM reliability.
3.Celebrations Across Parties:
– Both BJP and Congress celebrated their respective victories in Jammu and Kashmir.
– BJP’s celebrations focused on their Maharashtra success, led by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma.
– Congress celebrated Priyanka Gandhi’s landslide win in Wayanad and the INDIA alliance’s success in Jharkhand, seeing it as a “new era of politics.”
4.Congress’s Counter-Narrative:
– Congress leaders portrayed Priyanka Gandhi’s win as a victory for women, youth, and the marginalized.
– Ravinder Sharma, Congress vice president in J&K, stated that Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into Parliament would bring a “strong and fearless voice” for the people.
Analysis and Implications
1.The EVM Debate:The controversy surrounding EVMs is not new and often resurfaces during post-election narratives. The BJP’s criticism of Congress reflects an attempt to delegitimize the opposition’s complaints while emphasizing voter confidence in its governance.Conversely, the Congress’s selective stance on EVMs undermines its credibility on the issue.
2.Electoral Messaging:Jitendra Singh’s comments underline the BJP’s strategy of attributing electoral success to Modi’s leadership, reinforcing the party’s narrative of development and stability.Congress’s focus on Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi aims to project them as champions of the common people, suggesting a generational shift in the party’s leadership.
3.State-Level Dynamics:The BJP’s continued success in Maharashtra demonstrates the effectiveness of its alliance strategy, whereas Congress’s win in Jharkhand highlights the growing strength of regional alliances under the INDIA banner.
4.Future Political Trajectory:The results in these states may serve as a litmus test for the 2024 general elections. BJP will likely use its Maharashtra victory as a case study of governance, while Congress and its allies will leverage their wins to counter BJP’s dominance.
The contrasting electoral outcomes highlight the deepening political divide in India, with both BJP and Congress seeking to frame the narrative to their advantage. The BJP’s criticism of Congress’s stance on EVMs adds to the polarized discourse, while Congress’s celebration of regional wins signals its attempt to rebuild its political presence. As the 2024 general elections approach, the debate over governance, leadership, and electoral integrity is likely to intensify.
