Ballot papers are back: Karnataka Governor clears Bill to replace EVMs in local polls
Indian Express·2h ago·Neutral
What Happened
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot approved the Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Amendment Bill 2026, enabling ballot papers instead of EVMs for upcoming local body elections. The state government argued EVMs lacked adequate safeguards, citing public trust concerns. Opposition BJP criticized the measure as retrograde, claiming it contradicts Karnataka's tech identity and reverses electoral progress.
Key Entities
Thawar Chand GehlotKarnatakaGram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Amendment Bill 2026Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)Election Commission of IndiaBJPState Election Commission