Nonagenarian social activist stages agitation against EVM

Adhav had taken part in the Goa Freedom Struggle (1940–1961), Samyukta Maharashtra Movement (1956 to 1960) besides protesting against the Emergency (1975-77).

Mumbai: Amid yet another round of debate and war-of-words over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), nonagenarian socialist and activist Baba Adhav is staging a protest in Pune calling EVM's use in polls as fraud.

Adhav had taken part in the Goa Freedom Struggle (1940–1961), Samyukta Maharashtra Movement (1956 to 1960) and protested against the Emergency (1975-77).

95-year-old Adhav, commenced the protest on Thursday at Phule Wada, the residence of legendary social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

“The use of money and EVMs is serious,” said Dr Adhav.

“Since Independence, I have been a witness to all elections…but this time what has happened is unimaginable,” he said.

“The voting percentage figures change continuously. The use of EVMs in elections is a fraud,” he added, adding that what has happened is shameful.

“Eknath Shinde and others are seeking votes against money,” he said referring to the Maha Yuti demanding support of people for schemes like Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.

Dr Adhav demanded strict action against billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani.

Inspired by Mahatma Phule, Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar, Adhav works for head-loaders, waste-pickers, street vendors, and other weaker sections of the society.

During the protests several social activists and civil society members met him and extended support.

Meanwhile, senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar, who were in Pune, separately met him.