BJP to launch campaign against ballot move
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly opposed the Congress government’s decision to hold upcoming local body elections in Karnataka using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The state cabinet’s recent approval of ballot-based polls has triggered a sharp political confrontation, with the BJP accusing the ruling party of attempting to facilitate malpractice.
The decision comes at a politically sensitive time, as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi campaigns in Bihar alleging electoral fraud linked to EVMs. The Karnataka BJP has announced a statewide awareness campaign to rally public opinion against the government’s move, calling it regressive and undemocratic. Party leaders argue that ballot papers are vulnerable to manipulation and undermine the transparency ensured by EVMs.
BJP leaders further alleged that the Congress government’s decision is aimed at appeasing Rahul Gandhi. They described the move as stemming from “artificial ignorance” of the electoral system and arrogance due to its Assembly majority. “The entire world has embraced EVMs, and even the Supreme Court has endorsed them. Reverting to ballot papers will only damage the electoral system,” BJP spokespersons said.
Meanwhile, the Congress government remains steadfast in its stand. The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, senior ministers, and the party high command have all backed the use of ballot papers, claiming they reflect the will of the people more directly. With the BJP’s campaign set to intensify, the issue is fast becoming a key political flashpoint in Karnataka, potentially shaping voter sentiment ahead of the local body polls.
