Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has urged both the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider the growing public demand for a return to ballot paper voting in light of concerns over the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs). The Congress leader's comments come amid mounting opposition criticisms of the results from the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured 230 of the 288 seats, a result that Patole and other opposition leaders claim does not reflect the true mandate of the people.

Patole, speaking to reporters on Sunday, claimed that there is widespread confusion regarding the newly formed state government, with many believing that it does not represent the will of the electorate. He pointed to the growing public sentiment that questions the legitimacy of EVMs, particularly following the recent assembly election results. “The government that has emerged does not seem to reflect the people's mandate, and there is increasing public dissatisfaction with the process," Patole remarked.