The Karnataka cabinet has taken a significant step by recommending that upcoming local body elections in the state be conducted using ballot papers rather than electronic voting machines (EVMs). The decision, which has been formally sent to the State Election Commission (SEC), reflects growing concerns within the ruling Congress government about the credibility and transparency of the electronic voting process. Along with this recommendation, the cabinet has also authorised the SEC to take full responsibility for preparing, revising, and, if necessary, completely redoing the electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and public trust in the voting system.
Law Minister H.K. Patil, addressing the media, explained that the primary motivation behind the move was to restore people’s faith in the democratic process. He argued that the credibility of EVMs had been “eroded” in the eyes of many citizens and that reverting to the use of ballot papers would provide greater confidence in the integrity of elections. According to him, empowering the SEC to take charge of the voters’ list was also essential to prevent doubts and disputes about the authenticity of electoral rolls.
The decision comes at a politically charged moment, following allegations by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka were manipulated. Gandhi accused the Election Commission of working “hand in glove” with the BJP to distort voter rolls, particularly in the Mahadevapura Assembly constituency. He alleged there was “bhayankar chori” (massive theft of votes), citing instances of duplicate names, fictitious addresses, and the misuse of Form 6 for fraudulent entries. These accusations have further fuelled demands within the Congress for a nationwide return to paper ballots.
The Congress has long argued that EVMs are vulnerable to tampering and manipulation, particularly after its losses in key state elections such as Maharashtra. Party leaders have consistently pushed for paper-based voting as a safeguard to ensure transparency, verifiability, and fairness. While their call has resonated with certain sections of the public, it has also been met with resistance from judicial institutions. The Supreme Court, in a ruling on November 26, dismissed a petition seeking the reintroduction of paper ballots. Justice Nath, commenting on the matter, noted wryly that parties often accept EVM results without complaint when they win but claim tampering when they lose.
In this backdrop, Karnataka’s cabinet decision marks a major symbolic and political move, aligning itself with Congress’s broader national demand while also challenging the status quo of India’s electoral system. The SEC’s response to this recommendation will now determine whether ballot papers make a comeback in the state’s grassroots-level democratic process.
