Greater Bengaluru Authority Elections After May 25 to Use Ballot Papers Instead of EVMs

Elections for the five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) are scheduled to be held after May 25, with voting conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). This decision follows a September 2025 Karnataka cabinet recommendation and aims to address concerns about EVM credibility. The State Election Commission (SEC), led by Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi, emphasized its independent authority in choosing the voting method, citing legal provisions and Supreme Court observations permitting ballot paper use. The draft electoral rolls, covering 88.91 lakh voters across 369 wards, were published for public inspection, with final lists expected by mid-March. The Supreme Court has mandated completion of these local body polls by June 30. Political reactions include Congress supporting the move amid allegations of EVM manipulation, while BJP has criticized it as politically motivated.