📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare
Politics
Shivraj Singh Chouhan slams Congress demand for paper ballots as anti‑democratic
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 04 Oct 2026, 10:31 AM
👁 15
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticised the Congress party’s call to revert to paper ballot papers, labeling it an attempt to crush democracy.
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan publicly rebuked the Congress party’s demand to return to paper ballot papers, describing the move as an effort to "crush democracy". The statement was made during a recent press interaction where Chouhan highlighted the importance of the electronic voting system in ensuring free and fair elections.
Chouhan argued that the push for paper ballots appears politically motivated and could undermine the credibility of the electoral process. He emphasized that the Election Commission’s current use of electronic voting machines has been vetted and is essential for transparent voting.
The Congress party has been urging the Election Commission to consider a hybrid system that includes paper ballots, citing concerns over electronic voting security. However, Chouhan dismissed these concerns, asserting that the demand reflects a broader strategy to challenge the ruling coalition’s electoral legitimacy.
Political analysts note that the exchange underscores the growing tension between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress ahead of upcoming state and national elections. Both parties continue to rally support while debating the best mechanisms to safeguard India’s democratic framework.
The debate over ballot formats is likely to remain a contentious issue as the election calendar approaches, with each side positioning its stance as a defense of democratic values.
Chouhan argued that the push for paper ballots appears politically motivated and could undermine the credibility of the electoral process. He emphasized that the Election Commission’s current use of electronic voting machines has been vetted and is essential for transparent voting.
The Congress party has been urging the Election Commission to consider a hybrid system that includes paper ballots, citing concerns over electronic voting security. However, Chouhan dismissed these concerns, asserting that the demand reflects a broader strategy to challenge the ruling coalition’s electoral legitimacy.
Political analysts note that the exchange underscores the growing tension between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress ahead of upcoming state and national elections. Both parties continue to rally support while debating the best mechanisms to safeguard India’s democratic framework.
The debate over ballot formats is likely to remain a contentious issue as the election calendar approaches, with each side positioning its stance as a defense of democratic values.