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Key Points

The Karnataka government has decided to switch from EVMs to traditional ballot papers for upcoming local elections. Law Minister H.K. Patil announced the cabinet's decision to recommend necessary legal amendments after Thursday's meeting. The move comes amid concerns about voter list discrepancies and declining public trust in electronic voting machines. The State Election Commission will now prepare revised electoral rolls for the ballot-based elections.

Key Points: Karnataka Congress to Use Ballot Papers Not EVMs Local Polls

  • Congress-led Karnataka cabinet approves ballot paper amendment for local polls
  • Minister cites voter list discrepancies and public distrust of EVMs
  • Legal changes required under Panchayat Raj and Municipalities Acts
  • State Election Commission to prepare revised high-quality electoral rolls
2 min read

K'taka to bring amendment to use ballot papers instead of EVMs in upcoming local body polls

Karnataka Congress government approves legal amendments to replace EVMs with ballot papers in upcoming local body elections, citing voter list discrepancies and public sentiment.

"The cabinet has resolved to recommend necessary legal amendments... to facilitate the conduct of all upcoming local body elections through ballot papers - Minister H.K. Patil"

Bengaluru, Sep 4

The Congress-led government in Karnataka has decided to bring amendment to use ballot papers instead of EVMs in the upcoming local body polls in the state.

Minister for Law H.K. Patil made the statement in this regard after the Cabinet meeting on Thursday at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

Minister Patil stated: "The state cabinet has resolved to recommend necessary legal amendments and framing of rules to facilitate the conduct of all upcoming local body elections through ballot papers instead of the EVM system. Earlier, the data from assembly elections was being used. Now, a decision has been taken to recommend revision, correction, and reconstitution of the voters’ list, so that the State Election Commission can prepare a high-quality electoral roll."

The Cabinet has also decided to recommend changes to the election process to the State Election Commission. The cabinet has approved certain necessary amendments to laws and rules for this purpose, Patil stated.

Minister Patil further stated: "The State Election Commission is an independent body, and the responsibility of preparing the electoral roll lies solely with it. Provisions under Section 165 of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, Section 14 of the Municipalities Act, and Section 35 of the GBA Act explain how elections must be conducted. The cabinet has resolved to recommend these new rules and procedures for conducting Panchayat Raj and urban local body elections."

"Recently, people in Karnataka have observed many discrepancies in the preparation of the voters’ list, and a large number of complaints have been received. Allegations have been made that many non-existent voters were included, and discussions have been ongoing for months. Meanwhile, trust in EVMs has generally been declining. Considering the lack of reliability, public sentiment, and opinions, the decision of the cabinet to conduct elections through ballot papers instead of EVMs has been taken in this context," Patil emphasized.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This feels like a step backwards. EVMs were modern and efficient. Instead of going back to paper, why not improve the EVM system and voter list verification? Technology should be the solution, not the problem.
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Vikram M
Good move! The voter list discrepancies in recent elections were shocking. Many fake voters were included. At least with ballot papers, there's physical evidence. Democracy needs transparency above everything else.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked as polling staff, I can say ballot papers will create huge logistical challenges. Counting will take days instead of hours. But if it restores public trust in elections, maybe it's worth the effort.
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Arjun K
This decision makes sense for local body elections where the scale is manageable. For larger elections, we need better EVM systems with paper trail. Hope the Election Commission takes note of the public sentiment!
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Nikhil C
While I appreciate the intention, I'm concerned about increased costs and time. Ballot paper printing, storage, and counting requires massive resources. Hope they have a proper plan for implementation.

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