Key NDA allies JDU and TDP slammed the opposition for ‘double standards’ on EVMs, questioning why machines are deemed faulty only after electoral losses. Shiv Sena (Shinde) pushed for lowering the voting age to 18, advocating for remote voting for migrants and simultaneous polls. Allies emphasized voter maturity and dismissed manipulation claims.
NEW DELHI: Key NDA constituents JDU and TDP on Tuesday accused opposition of “double standards” on the issue of EVMs, while another ally Shiv Sena (Shinde) made a strong demand for lowering the minimum age to contest Lok Sabha and assembly elections from 25 to 18 years and allow remote voting for migrant voters.Participating in a discussion on election reforms in Lok Sabha, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde also said EC should introduce a common electoral roll for all elections and usher in simultaneous polls for LS and state assemblies.Union minister and JDU MP Rajeev Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) said, “You won in Bengal, Himachal and Karnataka, then the EVMs were correct. But in Maharashtra, Haryana or Bihar, the machines suddenly became faulty? People do not accept this double standard.”He accused opposition of trying to “pollute the electoral system” instead of engaging with EC’s repeated clarifications. “If people are not voting for you repeatedly, then the EVM becomes faulty,” he said.Indian voters were “mature” and understood the democratic process, TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said. “No one in opposition asked about ‘vote chori’ when Congress won in Telangana or Karnataka, but these questions only arise when results do not go their way,” he said, dismissing claims that EVMs were manipulated. “We were hoping opposition would tell us what improvements can be made,” he said, but added that Congress MP Manish Tewari instead “insinuated that EC is influenced”. “Modi ji never interferes in the work of independent institutions,” Singh said.On SIR, Singh noted that EC had clarified that it is conducted regularly. In a swipe at opposition over its electoral loss in Bihar, he said, “Take free tips from Modi… go meet him alone and come back with the tips.”Devarayalu said that instead of pushing for constructive reforms, opposition is questioning EC.
