Why is the BJP Criticizing Karnataka's Shift to Ballot Papers for Local Body Elections?
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Synopsis
In a recent turn of events, the BJP has vehemently criticized the Karnataka government's decision to replace EVMs with ballot papers in local body elections. This bold move has opened a debate on electoral integrity and technology in voting. Explore the implications of this decision and the BJP's stance on the matter.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government shifts to ballot papers for local elections.
- BJP claims this indicates Congress's admission of electoral fraud.
- Public trust in EVMs is declining.
- Congress faces criticism for past electoral malpractices.
- Legal amendments are being proposed to facilitate this change.
Bengaluru, Sep 5 (NationPress) The BJP has expressed its disapproval towards the Karnataka government's recent decision to amend the electoral process, opting for ballot papers instead of EVMs in the upcoming local body elections. The party stated, 'By choosing to replace electronic voting machines with traditional ballots, the Congress-led administration has implicitly acknowledged its ascent to power through electoral fraud.'
The Karnataka BJP issued a statement on Friday asserting, 'In light of this decision, the 136 Congress MLAs elected during the 2023 state elections via EVMs should resign. The nine Congress MPs from Karnataka should also step down. They should re-contest and win with ballot papers to validate their legitimacy; otherwise, they must concede that their rise to power involved electoral misconduct.'
B.Y. Vijayendra, the BJP's State President and MLA, emphasized, 'Congress members need to review history. The highest volume of complaints regarding bogus voting, election fraud, and electoral malpractices have arisen from ballot paper elections across the nation.'
Vijayendra criticized, 'The public remembers how the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency due to court rulings against her fraudulent election.' He further asserted, 'The Congress, historically adept at electoral malpractice, is now desperate following a series of electoral defeats. This has led Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to engage in unfounded arguments concerning electoral fraud. Consequently, the Congress government in Karnataka aims to conduct local body elections using ballot papers.'
While the world is rapidly advancing technologically, the Karnataka government appears to be regressing, according to Vijayendra. 'There remain records of electoral misdeeds during Congress's ballot-based elections. For instance, in the 1990s, a BJP candidate's victory in the Davanagere Lok Sabha election was overturned after re-counting, with reports alleging BJP ballot papers found discarded in toilets at the counting center.'
Vijayendra accused the Congress of advocating for ballot-based elections solely to facilitate electoral malpractice, booth capturing, and unchecked bogus voting, asserting that the party's true objective is to undermine democracy and transparent elections.
After a Cabinet meeting on Thursday at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Minister for Law H.K. Patil announced the state government's intention to amend existing laws to facilitate the upcoming local body elections via ballot papers rather than EVMs. The Cabinet resolved to recommend necessary legal changes and the preparation of a refined electoral roll to address the public's concerns regarding the integrity of the voters' list.
Patil highlighted, 'Recent discrepancies in the voters' list have prompted a surge of complaints, with allegations of non-existent voters being included. As public trust in EVMs declines, the Cabinet's decision to revert to ballot papers is a response to prevailing sentiments and opinions.'
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of this electoral shift in Karnataka. The decision to revert to ballot papers raises questions about the integrity of electoral processes and the role of technology in modern governance. While it's imperative to address public concerns over EVM reliability, the motivations behind this amendment warrant scrutiny. The debate over electoral integrity is crucial for maintaining trust in democratic systems across the nation.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Karnataka government to switch to ballot papers?
The Karnataka government cited declining public trust in EVMs and numerous complaints regarding the integrity of the voters' list as reasons for the switch to ballot papers.
What are the BJP's main concerns regarding this decision?
The BJP argues that the decision indicates the Congress government's acknowledgment of coming to power through electoral fraud and aims to facilitate malpractice in future elections.
How has the BJP responded to this electoral change?
The BJP has criticized the decision, calling for Congress leaders to resign and recontest elections using ballot papers to prove their legitimacy.
What historical context has been provided by the BJP regarding ballot papers?
The BJP referenced past electoral malpractice associated with ballot papers during Congress regimes, including incidents of fraudulent practices and vote tampering.
What changes are being proposed for the electoral process?
The Karnataka Cabinet has resolved to recommend legal amendments and adjustments to the election process to facilitate the use of ballot papers in local body elections.
