Karnataka’s Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress government over its decision to hold upcoming civic and local body elections using ballot papers, terming
the move an admission of “political insecurity” rather than an effort at electoral reform.
Accusing the ruling party of lacking confidence in the people’s mandate, Ashoka said abandoning electronic voting machines (EVMs) exposed the Congress’s fear of electoral defeat.
“Even after their own government’s survey confirmed that people trust EVMs, the INC Karnataka government has chosen to push elections back to paper ballots. This is not about reform or fairness, this is about fear and political insecurity,” Ashoka said in an X post on Tuesday.
“This decision has nothing to do with fairness or reform. It reflects panic and political bankruptcy,” he alleged in a post on X.
Pointing to the irony of the move, Ashoka noted that Bengaluru, home to Bharat Electronics Limited, the public-sector manufacturer of India’s EVMs, was being taken “backwards” despite being known as the country’s technology hub.
He said the decision undermined both the city’s technological legacy and the credibility of India’s electoral system.
“When a government loses public trust, it creates suspicion. When it lacks ability, it weakens institutions. And when it anticipates defeat, it tries to change the rules,” Ashoka said, arguing that Congress was questioning a voting system it has itself benefited from in past elections, including in Karnataka.
He also cited a survey commissioned by the Congress government which, he claimed, showed public confidence in EVMs.
“If their own survey supports EVMs, what explains this sudden retreat?” Ashoka asked, alleging that the ruling party fears transparency, technology and the voters’ verdict.
The BJP leader’s remarks followed an announcement by Karnataka State Election Commissioner G S Sangreshi that elections to five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority would be held after May 25 using ballot papers.
Sangreshi added that elections to zilla and taluk panchayats, scheduled later this year, would also be conducted through paper ballots.
The decision has triggered dissent even within the Congress. DK Suresh, brother of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, publicly said reverting to ballot papers was “not needed,” a view that contrasts with the party’s official stance.
Last September, the Congress-led government had decided to recommend the use of ballot papers for panchayat and urban local body polls, citing what it described as declining public confidence in electronic voting.
As the state heads towards Assembly elections in the coming months, political temperatures are rising.
The BJP has intensified its offensive against the Congress government, alleging large-scale corruption in the Excise Department.
On Sunday, the opposition party claimed illegal collections worth Rs 2,500 crore were being raised to fund election-related activities.
At a press conference, Ashoka alleged that liquor licences were being issued in exchange for bribes rather than through due process, and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister RB Thimmapur.
The BJP also held Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accountable for the alleged irregularities, adding further pressure on the ruling party ahead of the polls.
