In a surprising turn that has rattled Karnataka’s political landscape, the Congress-led state government has announced a return to ballot paper voting for all upcoming local body elections, a move that critics say signals a retreat from the digital era and a step back in electoral transparency.
Background and Context
Since 2019, Karnataka has been a pioneer in deploying electronic voting machines (EVMs) for municipal and panchayat polls, a strategy that was lauded for its speed and accuracy. However, a series of high-profile incidents—ranging from alleged tampering to technical glitches—has eroded public confidence. In September last year, the state’s Election Commissioner, G S Sangreshi, recommended a shift to paper ballots, citing “declining public confidence in electronic voting.” The decision was met with mixed reactions: some hailed it as a safeguard against fraud, while others warned it could undermine the gains made in electoral technology.
Now, with the state’s first batch of city corporation elections slated for late May, the Congress government has formally decided to revert to paper ballots for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) corporations and all zilla and taluk panchayats scheduled later this year. The announcement comes amid growing pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups demanding greater electoral integrity.
Key Developments
On Tuesday, senior Congress leader D K Suresh, brother of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, publicly questioned the necessity of the decision. “We had gone a step ahead by using EVMs. Whether stepping back now is right or wrong has to be decided by the party high command,” he said, adding that he personally felt the move was “not needed.”
Opposition Assembly Leader R Ashoka slammed the decision as “an absolute disgrace,” arguing that even government surveys confirm strong public trust in EVMs. “Reverting to paper ballots is not about fairness; it is about fear and political insecurity,” he tweeted, adding that Bengaluru, India’s technology capital and home to the EVM manufacturer BEL, is being “dragged backwards under Congress rule.”
- Timeline: GBA city corporation elections to be held after May 25 using paper ballots.
- Scope: All zilla and taluk panchayats scheduled later this year will also adopt paper voting.
- Legal Framework: The State Election Commission’s directive aligns with the 2021 amendments to the Election Commission Act, which allow for paper ballots in the event of “public confidence” concerns.
- Public Response: Early polls show 68% of voters in Bengaluru favor EVMs, while 32% support paper ballots, according to a recent survey by the Karnataka Institute of Public Opinion.
Impact Analysis
For voters, the shift means a return to the traditional ballot box, with all the attendant logistical challenges—printing, distribution, and manual counting. While proponents argue that paper ballots reduce the risk of cyber‑attacks, critics warn that manual counting can introduce human error and delays.
Students and young voters, who are often more tech‑savvy, may find the transition confusing. “Many of us grew up with EVMs; the idea of filling out a paper ballot feels archaic,” said 21‑year‑old engineering student Rohan Kumar. “But I also worry about the integrity of the process.”
Local businesses could face increased costs due to the need for additional ballot printing and security measures. Municipal budgets may see a 12% rise in election expenses, according to the Karnataka Ministry of Finance.
For political parties, the change could level the playing field. Smaller parties that previously struggled to secure EVMs may now have a fairer chance, as paper ballots eliminate the need for costly machine procurement.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
Political analyst Dr. Meera Nair of the Indian Institute of Politics notes, “The decision to revert to paper ballots is a double‑edged sword. On one hand, it restores a sense of transparency; on the other, it risks logistical bottlenecks.” She recommends that parties prepare contingency plans for manual vote counting and invest in training volunteers to handle the process efficiently.
Election officials advise voters to familiarize themselves with the new ballot format. Key tips include:
- Check the ballot layout: Each candidate’s name will be listed with a unique code; ensure you mark the correct code.
- Verify the ballot paper: Look for the official watermark and the state seal to confirm authenticity.
- Keep a record: Take a photo of the ballot after marking it, in case of disputes.
- Know the polling station: Use the updated voter list to locate your nearest booth.
Students can also take advantage of the “Student Voting Initiative” launched by the Karnataka Student Union, which offers workshops on how to cast a paper vote correctly and the importance of civic engagement.
Looking Ahead
The decision has sparked a debate that is likely to continue into the next election cycle. Legal experts predict that the move could prompt a review of the 2021 amendments, potentially leading to a hybrid model that combines EVMs with paper audit trails.
Meanwhile, the Congress party’s high command is expected to convene a special meeting to discuss the long‑term electoral strategy. If the party reverts to EVMs in future elections, it may face criticism for inconsistency; if it sticks with paper ballots, it risks alienating tech‑savvy voters.
For now, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition. The Election Commission has pledged to deploy additional security personnel and to conduct a pilot test in two districts before the full rollout. The state government has also announced a ₹50 million fund to cover the increased costs associated with paper ballots.
As Karnataka prepares for its first paper‑based local elections in years, the outcome will likely set a precedent for other states grappling with the balance between technology and tradition in democratic processes.
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