'Will Not Back Out, Let ECI Conduct Ballot Re-Election,' Says NCP MLA Uttam Jankar, Rejecting EVM-Based Victory

Mumbai: Reiterating that the Mahayuti won the Assembly elections solely due to the EVMs and VVPATs, NCP (SP) MLA Uttam Jankar, who represents the Malshiras Assembly constituency, which includes Markadwadi village, stated on Saturday that he and the villagers are unwilling to accept his victory margin of 13,178 votes.

Demanding re-election, Jankar said he would knock on the Supreme Court doors if needed. “I am ready to resign, let the Election Commission of India (ECI) conduct the reelection of the ballot paper,” said Jankar while participating in “EVM hatao, Desh Bachao” programme organised at the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh. It was attended by senior journalist and ex-Rajya Sabha member Kumar Ketkar, Feroze Mithiborwala, Advt Mehmood Pracha, Tista Setalwad, journalist Niranjan Takle, AAP leader Dhananjay Shinde and others. Advt Ameen Solkar and others hosted the event.

Markadwadi Village Tires To Hold Mock Election

The villagers of Markadwadi were not ready to believe the outcome as it gave an advantage to the BJP candidate Ram Satpute. The village tried to host a mock election on ballot paper but the district administration foiled the attempt.

Speaking on the occasion, retired high court justice BG Kolse Patil alleged that there was a big conspiracy to ensure a win through EVMs. “The BJP may use the weapon in the future too,” he said.

Ex-MP Kumar Ketkar said EVM was a big conspiracy that has been used by the BJP since 2014. The Mahayuti government came to power because of the EVM only, he alleged.