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Karnataka Cabinet Pushes for Ballot Papers in Local Polls, Cites EVM Credibility Concerns

by VARINDIA 2025-09-06

In a major political development, the Karnataka Congress government has recommended replacing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with traditional ballot papers in all upcoming local body elections. The state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to conduct polls using paper ballots to restore transparency and public trust in the electoral process.

Why Karnataka Wants Ballot Papers Back

Karnataka’s Law Minister H.K. Patil stated that the credibility of EVMs has been questioned repeatedly, and the move to ballot papers is aimed at ensuring voter confidence. Alongside this, the cabinet has authorized the SEC to revise, prepare, or redo electoral rolls, ensuring that the voter lists remain accurate and free from manipulation.

Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations of Voter Fraud

The decision follows Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that the Election Commission colluded with the BJP to manipulate the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, particularly in the Mahadevapura constituency. Gandhi claimed there was “bhayankar chori” (massive theft of votes), pointing to duplicate entries, fake addresses, and misuse of Form 6 in voter lists.

The Congress has been pushing for paper ballots across India since its defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, arguing that EVMs are vulnerable to tampering. The party has positioned the ballot paper system as the only way to guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.

Supreme Court’s Take on EVMs

However, the Supreme Court recently dismissed a petition demanding a nationwide return to paper ballots. Justice Nath remarked that political parties often claim EVM tampering only when they lose elections, but not when they win, underlining the ongoing political divide over voting technology in India.

If approved by the SEC, the move will make Karnataka the first state to officially reintroduce ballot papers for local elections in recent years. The decision could spark a larger national debate on the future of EVMs, with significant implications for the upcoming state and general elections.