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In the hustle and bustle of municipal elections in Maharashtra, campaigning stopped on Tuesday, and voting will take place tomorrow, January 15. While all political parties are preparing for the vote, with only a few hours left for voting, the state election commission has made a major decision. Along with the EVM machine, a new device called 'Padu' (Printing Auxiliary Display Unit) will be used for accurate results. This remarkable announcement has caused a stir in political circles, raising the question of what exactly this device will do.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections use 'M3' type EVM machines from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). These machines belong to the Election Commission of India, and the process is carried out by connecting the Ballot Unit (BU) and Control Unit (CU) for counting. However, in case of technical difficulties, the 'VVPAT' machine will be used. This machine provides the facility to print the vote and display the result. The State Election Commission has clarified that the use of 'VVPAT' will not be widespread, it will be used only in extremely exceptional cases if technical problems arise.
140 'Padu' machines have been made available for the BMC elections. In such exceptional circumstances, they will be used only in the presence of technicians from the BEL company. Additionally, the commission had instructed to demonstrate the 'Padu' machine to representatives of political parties. The BMC has completed this demonstration, and all preparations for transparency are complete. Traditional EVMs will be used in other municipal elections.
The commission has expressed confidence that this decision will make the counting process more reliable. This machine will be useful for the results to be announced on January 17. Although political parties have welcomed this decision, some have raised questions. The election preparations are in the final stage, and the commission has assured that voters will experience a transparent process.
140 VVPAT machines available for the BMC election 2026.
The VVPAT machine will be used only for technical difficulties.
Demonstrations of the machine were shown to political parties and transparency ensured.
Voters will experience safe and reliable voting; results to be announced on January 17.