Is there anything wrong with using ballot papers? K'taka Election Commissioner clarifies

Bengaluru, Sep 5 (NationPress) The State Election Commissioner, G.S. Sangreshi, has asserted that there is nothing inappropriate about conducting elections via ballot papers, and the electoral body is prepared for the necessary arrangements.

This statement follows the cabinet's resolution from the Congress-led government in Karnataka, which has recommended that the State Election Commission (SEC) conduct all local body elections using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

During a media interaction in Bengaluru, Commissioner Sangreshi remarked, "If the state government enacts a legal framework and establishes guidelines, we will be obliged to implement it. The justification for this decision rests with them, as they have taken public opinion into account and engaged in discussions. Therefore, there should be no obstacles to the use of ballot papers."

He continued, "Ballot papers will replace EVMs for these elections. EVMs have been used at all levels except gram panchayats for the last two to twenty-five years. However, ballot papers are still utilized for gram panchayat elections, meaning that rural voters are accustomed to them. Hence, I believe that the transition to ballot papers will not result in any challenges or issues."

The Commissioner emphasized that there is no requirement to seek approval from the Central Election Commission for this change, highlighting that the State Election Commission operates as an independent constitutional entity with powers equivalent to those of the Central Election Commission.

"We are not obligated to obtain their (ECI) endorsement. Ultimately, we must conduct elections in accordance with established guidelines and legal standards — this is our primary goal," Commissioner Sangreshi stated.

He added that the state government must implement this decision, considering that personnel will be needed for the execution of the process. The preparations for the voters' list will fall under the purview of the State Election Commission. "The Constitution has conferred rights and established procedures," he noted.

"We are committed to conducting panchayat and local body elections with transparency, reliability, and commitment, ensuring a judicious process," he assured.

The Congress-led government in Karnataka has resolved to propose an amendment that allows the use of ballot papers instead of EVMs for the forthcoming local body elections. Minister for Law, H.K. Patil, announced this after a cabinet meeting at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

Minister Patil stated, "The state cabinet has decided to recommend the necessary legal amendments and formulate rules to enable the conduct of all upcoming local body elections via ballot papers, replacing the EVM system. Previously, data from the Assembly elections was utilized, but a decision has now been made to recommend revisions, corrections, and a reconstitution of the voters’ list so that the State Election Commission can generate a high-quality electoral roll."

The Karnataka BJP has criticized the Congress-led government for its decision to implement an amendment to switch from EVMs to ballot papers for the upcoming local body elections, claiming, "By opting to replace EVMs with ballot papers, the Congress government has practically admitted to achieving power through electoral fraud."

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra expressed his views on X, stating, "In light of this, the 136 Congress MLAs elected in the 2023 state elections through EVMs should resign first. The nine Congress MPs elected to the Lok Sabha from Karnataka should also resign and run again, this time with ballot papers. If not, they must acknowledge that they gained power through election fraud."