I am really disappointed with the Maharashtra state elections with the BJP-led coalition getting a thumping majority! However, I think that unless elections are moved to ballot paper, I and many others cannot respect these elections results. It is very clear how currently, the BJP controlled ECI has different set of rules for BJP, allies vs. others. Also, why is it that all other major/highly rated democracies use ballot paper and India is the only major democracy which uses EVMs, where many experts confirm they could be manipulated? Maharashtra is a very high stakes state (BJP politicians & crony capitalists) and there is so much to lose for them; that the BJP can prioritize EVM manipulation here. It’s well known how mega “money making” projects in Maharashtra are specially handed over to BJP’s favourite crony capitalists. I think it’s a Herculean and too risky effort to manipulate EVMs at a 100% rate, and the ruling BJP party has to pick and choose, where absolutely necessary and stakes are absolutely the highest. Hence “the must win Maharashtra at all costs and afford to lose Jharkhand” was in my view the BJP objective.
