Karnataka’s Minister for Information Technology, Priyank Kharge, has reignited the debate over electronic voting machines (EVMs) by urging the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct a transparent, court-monitored evaluation of the EVM-VVPAT system. In a letter to the ECI dated September 6, 2025, shared on the social media platform X, Kharge emphasized Karnataka’s readiness to host a rigorous ethical hackathon and audit under judicial and industry oversight to address growing public skepticism about electoral integrity.
Kharge first raised these concerns in a letter to the ECI on December 3, 2024, highlighting procedural vulnerabilities in the EVM-VVPAT process and proposing a constructive solution. “Karnataka’s robust technology and R&D ecosystem makes it the ideal location for a transparent evaluation,” Kharge wrote, underscoring the state’s capacity to test the EVM architecture thoroughly. The proposed hackathon aims to scrutinize the system’s security and functionality, addressing public doubts fueled by recent controversies, including the #VoteChori debate, alleged irregularities in Bengaluru’s Mahadevapura constituency, EVM recounting in Panipat, Haryana, and voter deletion fraud in Aland, Kalaburagi.
As the Minister for Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology, Kharge has repeatedly urged the ECI to adopt measures that bolster public confidence in the electoral process. “My intent is to strengthen faith in the system, not undermine it,” he clarified in his letter. With questions mounting over the independence of institutions and the integrity of elections, Kharge argues that a transparent evaluation is critical to safeguarding democracy.
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The minister’s call to action comes at a pivotal moment, as public distrust in EVMs grows. By proposing a court-monitored hackathon, Karnataka aims to set a precedent for electoral transparency, urging the ECI to act swiftly to restore voter confidence and ensure the credibility of India’s democratic process.
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