National movement demands ballot paper to safeguard constitution
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Vijayawada – Andhra Pradesh: Leaders of various political, social, and rights organisations have called for the complete abolition of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Indian elections, warning that their continued use threatens the Constitution, democracy, and the country’s future.
Call to abandon EVMs for ballot papers
At a special discussion organised on Saturday by the Constitutional Rights Protection Committee (CRPC) at the Gandhinagar Press Club, participants unanimously demanded a return to ballot paper voting. CRPC Founder and National Convener Sangati Manohar Mahajan chaired the event, stating that EVMs have been associated with electoral irregularities, fake vote registrations, and manipulations since the 2018 Telangana early elections.
Leaders warn of democratic collapse
Speakers alleged that EVM-based elections have enabled conspiratorial and fraudulent methods that undermine free and fair polls. They warned that continuing with this system could weaken constitutional governance and eventually collapse democratic institutions. The meeting saw participation from leaders such as SC-ST Human Rights Welfare Forum State Leader JV Ramana, National Movement Against EVM Coordinator Sheikh Humera, RPI (Ambedkar) leader Dr. Pitta Varaprasad, and several party presidents, advocates, and social activists.
Democratic unity urged
Participants emphasised the historical need for unity among democratic forces to achieve equality, self-respect, equal representation, and self-governance. They called for collective citizen action to end electoral malpractices, including EVM manipulations, and to restore public trust in elections.
Nationwide mobilisation and ‘Chalo Delhi’ call
As part of the National Movement Against EVMs, similar discussions and awareness programs will be held across South India, including the two Telugu states, in the lead-up to Constitution Day. On 26 November 2025, a large-scale “Chalo Delhi” protest will be organised, with organisers urging massive participation to demand electoral reforms.
Participants from across political and social spectrum
The meeting witnessed the participation of South India Regional Coordinator Mekala Premananda, National Coordinator Sheikh Amin Peera, Indian Labour Party (Ambedkar, Phule) National President Dr. Maddu Ankaiah, Muslim Samaikya Vedika State President Syed Salauddin, Supreme Court Advocate and Dalit Bahujan Party (DBP) National President Vadlamuri Krishna Swarup, Nawarang Congress Party (NCP) National President Sheikh Jalil Bhai, Ambedkarite and Buddhist Society of India State General Secretary and Independent MLA Yandrapati Ashok Kumar, Jai Bheem Party Organisation President Advocate GP Daniel, social movement leader Advocate Kokkirigadda Shyam Babu, Bahujan Democratic Party of India State President CH Dennis Roy, National Secretary of the Socialist Coalition Jai Babu, Muslim Samaikya Vedika’s Sheikh Razeez, Reforms Party of India’s Sheikh Hussain, Jai Bhim Rao Bharat Party (JBP) leader KV Krishna Rao, along with lawyers and activists including R Narasaiah, Kanna Venkat, M Veeraswamy, K Koteswara Rao, DN Raju, S Ajay, K Kondalarao, and SK Allabkash.
