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Limited Use of PADU Machines in BMC Elections: Commissioner Gagranis' Clarification After Raj Thackeray's Outrage
Mumbai, January 14, 2026: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has expressed strong displeasure over the decision to introduce the new 'PADU' (Printing Auxiliary Display Unit) machines to be connected to EVM machines in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections (BMC Elections 2026). He criticized the Election Commission in a press conference, alleging that the commission had not provided any prior information regarding this. Following this, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner and Election Returning Officer Bhushan Gagrani has issued a clarification.
Raj Thackeray said, "This new PADU machine will be placed everywhere. It will be used if the EVM breaks down. But the commission has not given any information about this. They didn't even feel the need to show this machine to the politicians beforehand. What is going on?" He raised these questions, pointing fingers at the commission's transparency.
Responding to this, Commissioner Gagrani said, "The PADU machine will not be used universally in Mumbai. It will only be used as a backup in exceptional and emergency situations, such as if there is a malfunction in the EVM's control unit. This is not an alternative to VVPAT, but an additional option for the control unit. We have 40 units available, which will be with the Returning Officer. They may not even be needed, but they are being used for the first time as a precaution."
Gagrani also stated that the PADU machine has been manufactured by BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) and will be connected to the EVM. He added that this machine is intended to make the voting process more transparent and smooth. While this explanation addresses Raj Thackeray's allegations, the discussion regarding the transparency of the elections continues.
Mumbai, January 14, 2026: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has expressed strong displeasure over the decision to introduce the new 'PADU' (Printing Auxiliary Display Unit) machines to be connected to EVM machines in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections (BMC Elections 2026). He criticized the Election Commission in a press conference, alleging that the commission had not provided any prior information regarding this. Following this, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner and Election Returning Officer Bhushan Gagrani has issued a clarification.
Raj Thackeray said, "This new PADU machine will be placed everywhere. It will be used if the EVM breaks down. But the commission has not given any information about this. They didn't even feel the need to show this machine to the politicians beforehand. What is going on?" He raised these questions, pointing fingers at the commission's transparency.
Responding to this, Commissioner Gagrani said, "The PADU machine will not be used universally in Mumbai. It will only be used as a backup in exceptional and emergency situations, such as if there is a malfunction in the EVM's control unit. This is not an alternative to VVPAT, but an additional option for the control unit. We have 40 units available, which will be with the Returning Officer. They may not even be needed, but they are being used for the first time as a precaution."
Gagrani also stated that the PADU machine has been manufactured by BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) and will be connected to the EVM. He added that this machine is intended to make the voting process more transparent and smooth. While this explanation addresses Raj Thackeray's allegations, the discussion regarding the transparency of the elections continues.
Raj Thackeray said, "This new PADU machine will be placed everywhere. It will be used if the EVM breaks down. But the commission has not given any information about this. They didn't even feel the need to show this machine to the politicians beforehand. What is going on?" He raised these questions, pointing fingers at the commission's transparency.
Responding to this, Commissioner Gagrani said, "The PADU machine will not be used universally in Mumbai. It will only be used as a backup in exceptional and emergency situations, such as if there is a malfunction in the EVM's control unit. This is not an alternative to VVPAT, but an additional option for the control unit. We have 40 units available, which will be with the Returning Officer. They may not even be needed, but they are being used for the first time as a precaution."
Gagrani also stated that the PADU machine has been manufactured by BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) and will be connected to the EVM. He added that this machine is intended to make the voting process more transparent and smooth. While this explanation addresses Raj Thackeray's allegations, the discussion regarding the transparency of the elections continues.
