Is Karnataka CM Really Committed to Ballot Elections?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declares the state’s commitment to conducting elections via ballot papers rather than EVMs. This decision, rooted in past experiences, raises questions about the electoral integrity and public sentiment. Explore the implications of this shift in Karnataka's election process and the reactions it has ignited.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka's government prioritizes ballot paper elections over EVMs.
- International trends show a shift back to traditional voting methods.
- The State Election Commissioner supports the ballot paper initiative.
- The BJP's opposition raises questions about political motivations.
- Public opinion and transparency are critical in this decision.
Bengaluru, Sep 5 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the primary goal of his administration is to conduct elections via ballot papers instead of relying on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), a decision influenced by their past experiences.
During a media briefing in Bengaluru on Friday, the Chief Minister highlighted that several nations that previously employed EVMs have reverted to utilizing ballot papers.
In response to a journalist's inquiry regarding the complaint lodged by seers with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting the Dharmasthala case be transferred to the NIA, the Chief Minister remarked that the state government has already formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising police officials.
Earlier, while addressing criticisms from the BJP about the Congress-led Karnataka government's choice to hold local body elections using ballot papers instead of EVMs, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar questioned the BJP's unease regarding this decision.
Speaking to the press in Bengaluru, he stated, "This is the decision of the government of Karnataka. Why is the BJP concerned? The government possesses the authority to conduct local body elections. There exists a legal framework that the BJP itself established during its time in power. I can provide the documents to support this."
Following the cabinet decision by the Congress-led government in Karnataka to advise the State Election Commission (SEC) to carry out all local body elections using ballot papers instead of EVMs, State Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi commented, "There is nothing wrong in utilizing ballot papers, and we are prepared to make the necessary arrangements for this."
Commissioner Sangreshi further noted, "If the state government enacts legislation and establishes guidelines, we will be obligated to execute it. The justifiability of this decision rests with them. They have taken public opinion into account and held discussions on the issue. Consequently, there will be no obstacles to employing ballot papers."
He elaborated, "For the past 20 to 25 years, voting through EVMs has been standard at all levels, except for gram panchayats, where ballot papers are still in use. Therefore, at the village and rural levels, the populace is accustomed to ballot papers. Hence, I believe the switch will not encounter any problems or concerns."
The Karnataka BJP has criticized the Congress government fiercely for deciding to amend the election process to employ ballot papers instead of EVMs for the upcoming local body elections, asserting, "By opting to replace EVMs with ballot papers in the forthcoming local body elections, the Congress-led government in Karnataka has implicitly acknowledged its ascent to power through electoral malpractice."
In a cabinet meeting held on Thursday, the Congress-led government in Karnataka resolved to amend the electoral process to facilitate the use of ballot papers in the upcoming local body elections. Minister for Law H.K. Patil announced this decision following the cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
Minister Patil stated, "The state cabinet has agreed to propose essential legal amendments and the development of rules to allow all forthcoming local body elections to be conducted via ballot papers instead of the EVM system. Previously, data from the Assembly elections was used. Now, a decision has been made to recommend the revision, correction, and reconstitution of the voters’ list, enabling the State Election Commission to prepare a reliable electoral roll."
Point of View
The decision by the Karnataka government to revert to ballot papers for elections reflects a growing concern over electoral integrity. While proponents argue it enhances transparency, critics suggest it raises questions about the motivations behind such a shift. It is crucial to weigh public opinion and ensure an unbiased electoral process moving forward.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Karnataka shifting to ballot papers?
The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, aims to enhance electoral integrity and transparency based on their experiences with EVMs.
What sparked the criticism from the BJP?
The BJP criticized the Congress-led government, claiming the shift to ballot papers signifies an admission of electoral malpractice.
How will the State Election Commission adapt?
The State Election Commission has stated it is ready to implement necessary preparations for conducting elections with ballot papers.
What is the historical context of voting methods in Karnataka?
Voting through EVMs has been standard in Karnataka for over two decades, except for gram panchayat elections, which still utilize ballot papers.
What legal changes are required for this shift?
The Karnataka government has resolved to recommend legal amendments to facilitate the use of ballot papers in local body elections.
