In response to ongoing allegations of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) rigging in the Maharashtra elections, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called for a nationwide campaign to replace EVMs with ballot papers. Speaking at an event, Kharge emphasized that the Congress will run this campaign similar to the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

The move comes after the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was defeated by the BJP-led Mahayuti, securing 230 out of 288 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly. Kharge also criticized the ruling government, claiming it is propped up by parties like TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and asserted that it could fall if any ally withdraws support. Kharge stressed the need to protect democracy and the Constitution, highlighting that the current government is undermining both.