Karnataka’s Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, has strongly criticised the Congress government for deciding to conduct upcoming civic and local body elections using ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs), calling the move a sign of the ruling party’s “political bankruptcy.”
Ashoka alleged that the decision reflected political insecurity within the Congress and suggested that the party was attempting to manipulate the elections out of fear of the people’s verdict. “Even after their own 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,” he said in a post on X.
Highlighting Bengaluru’s technological legacy as India’s Silicon Valley and home to Bharat Electronics Ltd., the manufacturer of EVMs, Ashoka called it ironic that the city was being “dragged backwards under Congress rule.” He added that the government’s move undermines voter intelligence, the credibility of India’s election system, and nationwide trust in EVMs, noting that Congress itself has historically won elections using electronic machines.
The comments came after Karnataka State Election Commissioner GS Sangreshi announced that elections to five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, as well as upcoming zilla and taluk panchayat polls, would be conducted using ballot papers after May 25. The move has drawn criticism even from within the Congress, with DK Suresh, brother of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, calling the decision unnecessary.
Ashoka also targeted the Congress government over alleged corruption in the Excise Department, claiming that licenses were being auctioned for bribes instead of issued through proper procedures. He alleged that funds collected were being diverted to finance elections outside the state and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister RB Thimmapur, holding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directly responsible.
With Karnataka Assembly elections approaching, the BJP has intensified its attacks on the ruling party, framing the shift to ballot papers and the alleged corruption as a threat to transparency, technology, and the voters’ trust.
