The MVA MLAs, who had boycotted the first day’s proceedings of the opening session of the state legislature, took oath on Sunday along with the Mahayuti members. However, the MVA members said their protest for the polling on ballot paper instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs) will continue.

The context was a mock polling exercise in the village Markadwadi in Solapur district that was to be conducted by the locals but stalled by the administration last week. Congress has taken up the issue with the Election Commission of India, asking it to replace EVMs with the old method of ballot papers. The MVA has alleged the misuse of EVMs in Mahayuti’s massive electoral success. NCP-SP President Sharad Pawad visited Markadwadi, which is part of the Malshiras Assembly that was won by his party member Uttam Jankar.