Bengaluru, September 5 – Former Karnataka minister and BJP leader S. Suresh Kumar strongly criticized the Congress-led government for planning to use ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in local elections. He called this move a big insult to Bengaluru, known as the ‘Silicon City of India,’ and a setback for the country’s reputation as a technology hub.
During a press conference at BJP’s ‘Jagannath Bhavan’ office, Suresh Kumar said, “When the Congress party wins, everything is fine. But if they lose, they blame EVMs. The same Congress government came to power in May 2023 using EVMs. If they now doubt EVMs, they should dissolve the Assembly and go back to the people for votes.” He also criticized the Congress for doubting the electoral system, saying it’s unbecoming of India’s oldest political party.
He also targeted the recent Cabinet meeting held on September 4, calling it “dangerous” for Karnataka. Suresh Kumar joked that in an age where Artificial Intelligence is advancing, the Cabinet made decisions that show “artificial ignorance.”
The BJP leader warned that the government’s arrogance—thinking everything they do with a majority is right—could lead to their downfall. Reintroducing ballot papers instead of EVMs for local polls is seen as an insult to Bengaluru’s reputation as the tech capital of India.
Suresh Kumar expressed concern that the Congress government might go to extremes just to please their leader. “They might even ban popular digital payments like PhonePe and insist on cash-only transactions,” he said, warning about possible setbacks to India’s digital progress.
He pointed out that even the Supreme Court has confirmed the credibility of EVMs. Many countries admire India’s voting system and are adopting similar methods, but the Congress government seems eager to backward step. Suresh Kumar criticized the move as a step back for Karnataka, which is making rapid progress through digital initiatives—like direct bank transfers to farmers’ accounts—which are all driven by technology.
The BJP leader reminded everyone of earlier comments by Congress leaders, including Parameshwara, about election wins and losses, suggesting they want to revert Karnataka to the past. He also noted that Congress leaders like Siddaramaiah have admitted election rigging in the past.
Others, including opposition leaders and district presidents, joined S. Suresh Kumar at the press conference to oppose the move and emphasize the importance of modern, digital voting methods that ensure transparency and trust.
