Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati has reignited the debate over the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), alleging that caste-based political parties are manipulating the electoral process by rigging EVMs to block BSP candidates from winning elections. In a strongly worded statement, the BSP chief reiterated her party’s long-standing demand for a return to ballot paper voting, claiming it is the only way to ensure free and fair elections in the country.

"These casteist parties are even rigging EVMs to prevent BSP candidates from winning elections," Mayawati stated, underscoring what she described as systematic manipulation that undermines the democratic process.

She further emphasized that the BSP, along with several other Opposition parties, supports the idea of moving away from electronic voting. "Along with many other Opposition parties, our party also wants all elections in the country to be conducted using a ballot paper. While this doesn't seem possible under the current government, hopefully, this change will be initiated with the shift in power," she said.

Addressing her party workers, Mayawati encouraged them not to lose hope. She expressed confidence that the current political climate may eventually favor electoral reform. "Our party members should not be disappointed considering this possibility. Looking at the current political scenario in the country, the EVM system can change at any time," she added.

In a message of optimism to BSP supporters, she said, "If ballot papers are used again, the BSP's good days will return too..."