In a strong reaction to Congress leader Rashid Alvi’s recent demand for voting via ballot papers, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske asserted that the Congress party and Pakistan share similar ideologies that could be detrimental to India.
During an interview, Mhaske expressed concerns over Congress’s intentions, stating, “Pakistan and Congress are alike, sharing similar thoughts that may harm India. People realize Congress’s intentions are harmful and deceitful, leading to their decline. This has led to widespread disillusionment, causing people to turn away from Congress.”
The comments come ahead of the announcement of election dates for the Jharkhand and Maharashtra assemblies. Alvi had voiced his apprehensions about electronic voting machines (EVMs), suggesting that their use could allow the BJP government and the Election Commission to manipulate the voting process.
Concerns Over Election Integrity
Mhaske criticized the Congress party’s stance on EVMs, highlighting that they did not raise concerns about the voting method when they were in power. He accused the party of using negative campaigning, including slogans like “Save the Constitution,” which he claims have been exposed as misleading. He remarked, “People now see them as misleading and dishonest, and their defeat is certain. This is why they’re spreading fake narratives.”
Comparisons to Pakistan and Israel
Furthermore, Mhaske drew parallels between Congress and Pakistan, referencing comments made by the Pakistani government regarding Congress’s stance on Kashmir. He stated, “People understand Congress’s intentions are harmful to India, and they’re turning away from the party.”
Earlier, Rashid Alvi had urged the opposition in Maharashtra to advocate for paper ballot voting, warning that reliance on EVMs could lead to manipulation by the BJP government and the Election Commission. He controversially compared the situation to Israel’s military actions, suggesting that if Israel could use advanced technology for harmful purposes, the integrity of EVMs could be similarly compromised.
