“No to EVM, Yes to Ballot Paper” drive begins in Kadapa

Andhra Pradesh: Raising strong concerns over the reliability, transparency, and constitutional legitimacy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), several political parties, civil society groups, and citizens came together in Kadapa to formally launch a people’s movement demanding a return to ballot paper voting. The initiative was marked by the submission of a petition to the Kadapa District Collector and Election Officer, urging electoral reforms and restoration of voter trust.

National movement against EVMs gains momentum

The anti-EVM campaign, part of a growing nationwide movement, found its official beginning in the joint Kadapa district through a coordinated public action under the banner of the Constitutional Rights Protection Committee (CRPC). In a symbolic and united step, representatives from various political parties, public organizations, and citizens submitted a joint petition during the “Public Grievance Redressal Forum” on Monday. The event was led by the Mahajana Rajyam Party (MRP) and framed as a moral and democratic call to protect the sanctity of the Indian electoral system.

Sangati Manohar Mahajan, the founding National Convener of the CRPC and founding National President of the MRP, emphasized that the movement transcends caste, religion, and regional divisions. He claimed that EVMs have led to a growing erosion of public confidence, citing errors, irregularities, and misconceptions surrounding their use. “Even countries around the world have rejected such systems. The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to vote, and we are here to reclaim it,” he said.

Cross-party and civil society participation highlights widespread concern

A notable feature of the Kadapa event was the broad coalition that participated—signifying that concerns about EVMs are shared across political ideologies. Among the prominent voices present were JV Ramana from SC ST Human Rights Welfare Forum, CRV Prasad from Hetuvada Sangam, and Sheikh Amin Peera, National Coordinator of tMRP. Sagili Gurrappa from Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), N Venkatasiva from Communist Party of India (CPI), and Dr. B Srinivasulu from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also lent their support.

Leaders from socially active religious, spiritual, and pensioners’ groups joined the movement, including Mallem Vijayabhaskar from Andhra Pradesh Pastors and Leaders group, Sangati Chinnayosepu from Socio-Cultural Spiritual Affairs Committee, and N Srinivasulu from the Andhra Pensioners Party (APP).

Community representatives join to restore electoral faith

Highlighting the inclusive nature of the movement, leaders and activists from backward castes, Dalit groups, and local unions played a significant role. Devara Srikrishna from Lok Satta Udyog Samstha, DM Obulesu from BC United National Front, Madagalam Prasad from Rayalaseema Communist Party, and Kaipu Ramanjaneyulu from Dalit Mitra Sangham were among the many who participated. Pashtam Anji from the Beda Budagajangala Hakkal Porata Samiti (BBHPS) added his voice to the growing demand for ballot-based elections.

Active grassroots-level members from the Mahajana Rajyam Party—including Sheikh Humera, Sawant Chandrakala Bai, Sheikh Yasmin Saha, Syed Asif, S Venkatamma, Noori Syed, Ruhi Syed, Gade Nagaraju Yadav, Ravuri Giridhar Rao, Pellakur Venkatesh, Bapanapalle Sambayya, Koneti Obulesu, and Sangati Prasad—also played a role in organizing and supporting the event.

A constitutional and democratic call to action

Organizers claim that this movement is not a one-time protest but the beginning of a sustained national campaign to restore electoral integrity. “This is a historic and noble effort. We want to alert the 90 to 98 percent real, progressive Indians to stand for democratic values and constitutional rights,” said Sangati Manohar Mahajan.

Kadapa now stands as the launching ground for what supporters believe could become a turning point in India’s electoral reforms—a movement to replace machines with ballot papers and bring back the trust of the people.