Karnataka to Hold Bengaluru Civic Elections Using Ballot Papers After May 25

The Karnataka State Election Commission has announced that the upcoming Bengaluru civic elections will be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), likely after May 25. This decision follows a recommendation by the Siddaramaiah-led state cabinet and is legally valid, as EVM use is mandatory only for state Assembly and Parliament elections. The Supreme Court has set a June 30 deadline to complete the polls. The move has drawn political debate, with Congress supporting ballot papers and BJP criticizing the shift.