Greater Bengaluru Authority Polls to be Held With Ballot Papers Post-May 25

The Karnataka State Election Commission has indicated that elections to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) are likely to be held after May 25 and will be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), amid ongoing political debate over the voting system.

The move comes as the Congress continues to raise objections at both the state and national levels regarding the use of EVMs, which were employed during the previous Bengaluru civic polls. The issue has remained a point of contention in recent electoral discussions.

Karnataka Chief Election Commissioner GS Sangreshi clarified the commission’s position while speaking about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for the upcoming polls. He said the revision process involves correcting voter details, including names and other personal information, in preparation for the election.

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Explaining the decision to use ballot papers, Sangreshi said the State Election Commission is empowered to choose the mode of voting. He also cited Supreme Court observations stating that there is nothing legally wrong with conducting elections using ballot papers.

The Chief Election Commissioner further emphasised that the State Election Commission functions independently, similar to the Election Commission of India, and is authorised to take decisions based on legal provisions and administrative requirements.

The announcement is expected to shape the political discourse ahead of the Bengaluru civic polls, as parties prepare for elections under a different voting mechanism amid heightened scrutiny of electoral processes.

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