Why is BJP Concerned About the Decision to Use Ballot Papers for Local Elections?

Bengaluru, Sep 5 (NationPress) In light of the BJP’s objections regarding the Karnataka government's choice to use ballot papers for local body elections as opposed to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar posed a question to the BJP about their apparent discomfort with this decision.

During a press conference in Bengaluru on Friday, he stated, "This is the mandate of the Karnataka government. What is causing the BJP's concern? The authority to conduct elections for local bodies lies with the government. There exists a legal framework for this, which the BJP itself instituted during its governance. I can furnish the relevant documents."

"The legislation explicitly permits the use of either ballots or EVMs. Therefore, our government has chosen to proceed with ballot papers for these elections. Why is the BJP in such a frenzy? Their anxious response indicates that there may be underlying issues," Shivakumar remarked.

"We have conducted inquiries regarding parliamentary elections, but I prefer to focus on local body elections at this moment. Aren't elections for societies held using ballot papers? We have made our choice. The Central Election Commission and the State Election Commission will determine the protocols for state and parliamentary elections," he emphasized.

When questioned about the use of ballot papers for civic body elections in Bengaluru, he confirmed, "The government has opted for ballot papers across all local body elections."

In response to inquiries regarding his remarks towards farmers protesting land acquisition, Shivakumar stated, "They are my constituents. They are our farmers, from my locality. I have the authority to address issues related to them. I am aware of who incited disturbances, which party they belong to, and the flags they were waving. I am fully informed."

He further explained, "Approximately 83 percent of landowners have submitted no-objection certificates, while 17 percent are against the acquisition. I have guaranteed fair compensation. The limitation in increasing this amount is to ensure this project serves as a model for the state. If the acquisition should be halted, why didn’t previous administrations led by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and former CM B.S. Yediyurappa take action?"

"I am not responsible for the land notifications," he clarified.

Regarding the dismissal of cases against his supporters and those of Minister Priyank Kharge, he remarked, "Numerous cases against both BJP and Congress members have been dismissed. My supporters did not engage in any wrongdoing during my ED investigation. Several cases were initiated by the BJP due to political pressure. They even filed a case against me during the COVID pandemic. Cases were also lodged against the Chief Minister."

"Our ministers have also faced police cases. Should we remain silent and ignore this? The protests were staged due to issues related to language, water rights, and justice," he added.

Shivakumar reiterated, "The ED case against me was annulled. Although I was arrested in that matter, it was overturned by the High Court and the Supreme Court. Who will deliver justice to me? They criticize now, but where were the intellectuals and leaders who condemned the grand reception I received after my release? Why didn’t they commend me when the case was dismissed?"

"Further discussion is unnecessary. Our government has annulled hundreds of cases involving individuals from all parties. We have also considered the BJP’s appeals. The concerns of farmers’ groups and protestors have been duly acknowledged," Shivakumar concluded.