New Delhi: The Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat has become a hotbed of controversy following the recent election results. Ravindra Waikar of Shiv Sena emerged victorious by a razor-thin margin of just 48 votes, but the victory has been clouded by allegations and demands for a recount.
Questions about the integrity of the election arose when it was revealed that a relative of Waikar had allegedly used a mobile phone inside the counting center on June 4. Uddhav Sena candidate Amol Kirtikar, who narrowly lost to Waikar, has raised concerns and called for an investigation into the incident. Kirtikar has demanded a recount and a thorough review of CCTV footage from the counting center to verify the events.
In response to the escalating situation, the Election Commission has stated that CCTV footage will not be released without a court order. This decision has further fueled the controversy, with Kirtikar announcing plans to challenge the Election Commission’s stance in the High Court. He aims to file a case within the next 8 to 10 days, seeking a recount, re-election, and an investigation into the alleged unauthorized use of mobile phones during the vote counting.
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Adding to the public outcry, popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has also voiced his concerns on social media platform ‘X’, demanding a re-election for the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat. Rathee highlighted the issue, initially referring to the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) but later correcting himself to clarify that the controversy pertains to the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS). Rathee emphasized the seriousness of the unauthorized mobile phone use and insisted on a re-election to maintain electoral integrity.
In a contrasting perspective, senior journalist Deepak Chaurasia proposed a debate to address the recurring doubts about EVMs. Chaurasia invited Dhruv Rathee to an open discussion, challenging him to prove the hackability of EVMs. Chaurasia underscored his extensive experience covering India’s election system and advocated for a transparent debate to resolve the ongoing skepticism surrounding EVMs.
As the controversy unfolds, the police have initiated an investigation into the matter, focusing on the alleged receipt of an EVM OTP on the mobile phone of Waikar’s relative. The situation remains tense, with stakeholders and the public closely monitoring the developments.
The Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat election results have sparked a broader debate about electoral transparency and the security of voting systems in India. With legal battles looming and public discourse intensifying, the final resolution of this controversy will be critical for upholding the credibility of the electoral process.
