Prithviraj Chavan Slams Centre: "All-Party Delegation Must Be Parliamentary, EVM Ban Essential"

Mumbai, May 20, 2025 – Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan, addressed a press conference today at the Mumbai Congress state office, where he launched a sharp attack on the Central government over a series of current issues and policy decisions.

Chavan questioned the government's approach to national security, foreign policy, electoral reform, and democratic transparency. Speaking on the need for parliamentary consensus, he emphasized, “An all-party delegation must be constituted in a parliamentary manner. Even during wartime, leaders like Nehru in 1965, Indira Gandhi in 1971, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the Kargil War maintained regular communication with the Parliament. But today, the Prime Minister neither addresses the public nor holds press conferences or parliamentary sessions. This lack of transparency is deeply concerning.”

Referring to the ongoing India-Pakistan cricket controversy, Chavan strongly criticized the BCCI’s autonomy in the matter. “The BCCI is not above the Government of India. If Pakistan continues to support terrorism, then playing matches with them is fundamentally wrong. National security should always take precedence over cricket,” he said firmly.

On the contentious One Nation-One Election proposal, Chavan stated, “While this concept may appear efficient on paper, in the British parliamentary system that we follow, both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies can be dissolved at any time. I myself contested elections in 1996, 1998, and 1999—three times in three years. Elections must be held as per constitutional requirements, not theoretical convenience.”

He further alleged that the Centre was trying to force an American-style presidential system under the guise of election reforms, which, he said, goes against the democratic structure of India. Reiterating his long-standing position, Chavan demanded a complete ban on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), citing growing global opposition. “Countries around the world are moving away from EVMs, yet our government refuses to consider reverting to ballot paper-based voting,” he said.

Commenting on Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah, Chavan said, “If Prime Minister Modi really wanted, Vijay Shah could be removed within an hour. But he won't do it because he sees a tribal vote bank in that ministry. Shah’s derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a respected Indian Army officer, during Operation Sindoor are absolutely unacceptable. Even after the court’s criticism, the government continues to protect him, which is disgraceful.”

Chavan concluded by demanding greater transparency, parliamentary accountability, and respect for constitutional values, warning that continued suppression of these democratic fundamentals would damage the core of Indian democracy.