Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to conduct local body elections using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), after the state Legislative Assembly passed a significant amendment bill on Monday amid heated debate and opposition protests.
The new legislation, titled “Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026,” makes the use of paper ballots mandatory for elections to Gram Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats, and Zilla Panchayats across the state.
Heated Debate and Opposition Boycott
The bill triggered strong opposition inside the Assembly, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators staging a walkout and boycotting the voting process.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the move, calling it a “regressive step” and “anti-democratic.” In protest, he tore a copy of the bill while exiting the House, further escalating tensions.
Government Defends Decision
Presenting the bill, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said the decision was taken following allegations of irregularities during recent elections.
He claimed that several states witnessed sudden increases in voter turnout after official voting hours and discrepancies between votes cast and votes counted. According to him, the Election Commission failed to provide satisfactory explanations to these concerns.
Kharge argued that electronic voting systems function like a “black box,” lacking sufficient transparency and leading to declining public trust in the electoral process.
BJP Calls Move Anti-Technology
The opposition BJP strongly opposed the decision, describing it as anti-technology and a step backward for a technologically advanced state like Karnataka.
Senior BJP MLA Suresh Kumar said it was ironic that a minister associated with the IT sector was introducing legislation that could push the state backward. R. Ashoka also accused the Congress of reversing its earlier stance, noting that the party had originally introduced EVMs in India.
Congress Supports Paper Ballots
Supporting the government’s move, Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad stated that many developed countries still use paper ballots for elections. He also raised concerns about transparency within the Election Commission, citing unresolved demands such as easily readable voter lists and CCTV monitoring at polling stations.
Political Debate Intensifies
The decision has sparked a fresh political debate in Karnataka. While the ruling government says the move will enhance transparency and restore public confidence, the opposition believes it could weaken the efficiency of the democratic process.
Political observers are now closely watching how the shift to paper ballots will impact future elections and voting practices in the state.
