BJP slams Karnataka govt’s decision to replace EVMs with ballot papers for local body polls

The Karnataka government is planning to change how elections are held in the state. Instead of using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), they want to use traditional ballot papers for upcoming local body elections. This decision has sparked strong reactions, especially from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The BJP critics say that replacing EVMs with ballot papers is a sign that the Congress-led government in Karnataka is trying to hide election fraud. BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra accused the government of effectively admitting that they came to power through unfair means. He challenged Congress leaders, saying that those elected through EVMs in the 2023 Karnataka elections should resign and recontest their seats using ballot papers. If they succeed, it would prove their win was fair; if not, it would expose claims of election manipulation.

Vijayendra pointed out that in India’s past elections, ballot paper voting has seen many complaints of fraud, vote rigging, and violence. He reminded everyone that even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s election was declared invalid due to election malpractice. He argued that the Congress Party’s push for ballot papers is a desperate attempt to cheat again after recent election defeats. BJP leaders also accused Congress of trying to undermine the integrity of democracy.

While the world and India are embracing new election technology, the Karnataka government is going in the opposite direction. Vijayendra criticized this move, saying it is an attempt to revive corrupt election practices of the past. He recounted incidents from the 1990s where ballot papers were misused, including reports of ballot papers being dumped in toilets during vote counts.

The government’s decision to switch to ballot papers aims, according to critics, to make election fraud easier—like booth capturing and false voting. The Karnataka Law Minister, H.K. Patil, confirmed the cabinet’s decision to amend laws so that future local elections will be conducted with paper ballots instead of EVMs. He added that the government also plans to revise the voter list, which has recently faced criticism over inaccuracies and claims of non-existent voters being added.

Minister Patil explained that public trust in EVMs has declined and that issues with voter lists have increased doubts about election transparency. Therefore, the cabinet believes switching to ballot papers is necessary to ensure fair elections in Karnataka.

This decision comes at a time when many citizens are raising concerns over election integrity and the reliability of voting machines. The move to a paper ballot system is seen by critics as a step backwards, while supporters argue it is essential for transparent and trustworthy elections.