Ballot Papers to Feature in Greater Bengaluru Authority Elections
The State Election Commission made a significant announcement on Monday. It confirmed that ballot papers, not Electronic Voting Machines, will be used for the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority elections. This decision comes despite the BJP's specific request for EVMs.
SEC Commissioner Explains the Choice
State Election Commissioner GS Sangreshi spoke to TOI about the matter. He stated that both EVMs and ballot papers represent valid election methods. However, the SEC independently decided to proceed with traditional ballots.
"Existing legislation grants the SEC the authority to select between ballot papers and EVMs," Sangreshi explained. "After conducting our own studies as an autonomous body, we opted for the ballot system."
He directly addressed concerns about ballot papers being more time-consuming. Sangreshi firmly rejected this argument, emphasizing that such practical considerations should not compromise democratic principles.
"Ballot papers are employed in nearly all local body elections across the state," he noted. "We cannot discard them simply because they might require additional time. That reasoning does not hold weight in a democratic framework. Ballots enable voters to visually confirm their choice without relying on any external mechanism."
Political Context and Reactions
The announcement followed the release of draft electoral rolls by the SEC and the Greater Bengaluru Authority. R Ramachandran, the Special Commissioner for Elections at GBA, revealed that nearly 89 lakh electors are registered across the five municipal corporations. The final electoral rolls should be ready by March 16, with elections likely occurring after May 25.
This decision aligns with broader political sentiments. The Congress party has consistently voiced opposition to EVM usage at the national level. In April 2025, the Karnataka cabinet formally recommended that the SEC employ ballot papers for all local body polls within the state.
The Greater Bengaluru Governance Act of 2024 legally permits elections for the five municipal corporations to be conducted using either ballots or EVMs.
Key Political Figures Weigh In
Bengaluru Development Minister and KPCC President DK Shivakumar commented on the SEC's autonomy. "The ballot decision rests solely with the SEC, which operates as an independent institution," he stated. "What is the issue with that? A ballot carries more strength than a bullet. Let the electoral process proceed. The crucial element is ensuring voting takes place; the remaining details fall under the SEC's jurisdiction."
Shivakumar referenced legislation introduced by the BJP government in 2020, which authorized the use of ballot papers in elections. "We are simply advancing that provision," he added. "There is absolutely nothing improper about utilizing ballot papers. The SEC will function strictly within the established legal boundaries."
Historical Usage of EVMs in Bengaluru
Electronic Voting Machines have seen limited application in Bengaluru's civic elections. Records show EVMs were deployed only twice previously, specifically during the 2010 and 2015 municipal polls. The upcoming elections will mark a return to the traditional paper-based system for the city's local governance bodies.
