Karnataka Abandons EVMs for Ballot Papers in Bengaluru Civic Polls
The Karnataka State Election Commission made a significant announcement on Monday, January 19. They declared a major shift away from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). For the upcoming Bengaluru municipal corporation election, traditional ballot papers will replace the electronic devices.
State Cabinet Recommendation Drives the Change
This decision follows a recommendation from the state cabinet several months earlier. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led the cabinet in proposing the use of ballot papers instead of EVMs for the Bengaluru municipal election. The Congress party has been actively pushing for this change. They have raised concerns about potential manipulation of voting machines.
Karnataka State Election Commissioner GS Sangreshi addressed the media about the decision. He stated, "There may be many reasons. Once the state election takes a stand by consulting all the stakeholders in the matter. We have taken a decision." Sangreshi emphasized that the move to use ballot papers complies fully with all legal provisions. He defended the commission's choice, noting that ballot papers are not prohibited by law.
Background of BBMP Elections
The last elections for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) took place in 2015. The term of the previously elected body ended on September 10, 2020. Since that date, a government-appointed administrator has managed the day-to-day operations of the municipal corporation.
Supreme Court Sets Deadlines for Polls
The Supreme Court of India has been closely monitoring the situation. Earlier, the court directed the Karnataka government and the state election body to conduct the long-delayed Bengaluru local body polls by June 30. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice JK Maheshwari established a clear schedule for the election process.
The court mandated that the state government must publish the final ward-wise reservation list by February 20. The bench made it explicitly clear that no further extensions would be granted for this deadline. This order came in response to a plea from the Karnataka government. The state had challenged a High Court order from December 2020, which instructed the State Election Commission to hold BBMP elections promptly after finalizing electoral rolls.
Ongoing Legal Oversight
The Supreme Court continues to oversee compliance with its previous orders regarding elections for the BBMP and the newly formed municipal corporations within the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA). During a recent hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi represented the Karnataka government. He informed the court that the process of finalizing and notifying ward-wise reservations is currently underway. Singhvi assured the bench that this exercise would be completed within one month.
The bench accepted this statement and formally set February 20 as the final deadline for publishing the reservation list. This development marks a pivotal moment in Karnataka's electoral process, signaling a return to traditional voting methods amid ongoing debates about election integrity.
