Congress Distances Itself from Own Agency’s Survey as EVM Trust Ratings Soar to 84%

The survey conducted in Karnataka on public confidence in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has ignited a fresh political row between the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Released on January 2, 2026, the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice study by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority surveyed 5,100 voters and found overwhelming trust in the system, with nearly 85% expressing confidence in EVMs and affirming that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were conducted freely and fairly. The BJP seized on the findings to criticize the Congress' allegations of electoral manipulation, while the Congress distanced itself from the survey, questioning its credibility and independence.

The BJP's State Unit Chief, BY Vijayendra, hailed the report as a "direct blow" to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's claims of 'vote chori' (vote theft), accusing the opposition of undermining the Election Commission due to repeated electoral defeats. Vijayendra emphasized that the survey, purportedly linked to the state government, exposes the Congress' narrative as baseless. The study, falling under the federally administered Department of Planning and Statistics, was designed by an NGO reportedly associated with a figure linked to the Prime Minister's Office, adding to the controversy over its impartiality.

Congress leaders, including IT Minister Priyank Kharge, categorically denied any government sanction or involvement in the survey. Kharge challenged the methodology, sample size, and the NGO's credentials, noting its head's alleged ties to the central government. He reiterated the party's concerns over voter deletions in areas like Kalaburagi and Aland, where thousands from marginalized communities were reportedly removed from rolls ahead of the 2023 state and 2024 national elections. The Congress maintains these incidents point to systemic issues, including potential EVM tampering, and has filed complaints with the state Election Commission.

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The EVM debate remains a contentious issue in India's electoral landscape, with opposition parties frequently accusing the BJP and the Election Commission of collusion. The poll panel has consistently defended the machines' integrity, citing safeguards like VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail). This survey's timing, amid preparations for upcoming polls, underscores the polarized views on electoral transparency, with both sides using it to bolster their narratives on democratic processes.

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