The Janata Dal JD (Secular) has urged the State Election Commission to deploy electronic voting machines for the forthcoming elections to the Greater Bengaluru Authority, arguing that EVMs are essential to ensure transparency, efficiency, and voter confidence in a high-stakes urban poll. The party said Bengaluru’s scale, population density, and complex ward structure make manual ballot-based elections vulnerable to logistical lapses and prolonged counting processes. According to JD(S) leaders, the use of EVMs would reduce the scope for human error and disputes, while delivering quicker and clearer electoral outcomes.
JD(S) functionaries maintained that elections to a civic body as influential as the GBA demand the highest standards of credibility. They pointed out that Bengaluru’s civic governance directly affects infrastructure, public transport, water supply, and urban planning for millions of residents. In such a context, they argued, the electoral process itself must inspire public trust. The party said EVMs have been used in several elections across the country and have become familiar to voters, making their adoption both practical and reassuring.
Party leaders also expressed concern that reverting to ballot papers could complicate the polling process in a metropolis where voter turnout varies sharply across regions. They claimed that manual ballots could slow down voting, especially in densely populated wards, leading to longer queues and voter fatigue. JD(S) representatives said EVMs would streamline polling day operations, minimise confusion among first-time voters, and reduce the burden on polling personnel who already work under intense pressure.
The demand comes amid broader political debate over the conduct of civic elections in Bengaluru, with parties raising questions about timing, ward delimitation, and administrative preparedness. JD(S) leaders said the choice of voting mechanism should not become a source of controversy or suspicion after results are declared. They argued that EVMs, combined with strict monitoring and procedural safeguards, would limit post-poll disputes and allegations of malpractice that often cloud civic elections.
Responding to criticism from sections that favour ballot papers, JD(S) leaders said the party’s position is guided by administrative efficiency rather than political convenience. They contended that concerns over EVMs must be addressed through awareness and transparency, not by abandoning technology altogether. The party added that any apprehensions among voters could be mitigated through demonstrations, mock polls, and clear communication by the Election Commission well ahead of polling day.
The party also linked its demand to the broader goal of strengthening urban democracy. Bengaluru’s civic body has faced repeated delays in elections, leading to prolonged periods of administrator-led governance. JD(S) leaders said timely elections conducted through a credible and efficient system are vital to restoring the democratic mandate of the city’s local government. They argued that a smooth polling and counting process would reinforce faith in local self-governance, which often receives less attention than Assembly or Parliamentary elections.
The Janata Dal JD (Secular)
The discussion around the voting mechanism has also brought attention to the broader issue of voter engagement in Bengaluru’s civic elections. JD(S) leaders argued that low turnout in past municipal polls reflects public disillusionment with local governance and cumbersome electoral processes. They said a smoother, quicker voting experience through EVMs could encourage greater participation, particularly among young professionals and daily wage workers who often skip voting due to time constraints. Making the act of voting simpler, they maintained, is an essential step towards reviving interest in urban local body elections.
The party further noted that civic elections often suffer from delayed results, which can create administrative uncertainty and political instability. Prolonged counting periods, they said, allow rumours and misinformation to spread, sometimes escalating tensions between rival party supporters. JD(S) leaders contended that faster result declaration through EVMs would reduce speculation and ensure a smoother post-election transition. Quick clarity, they argued, is especially important in a city where governance decisions cannot afford prolonged limbo.
JD(S) functionaries also pointed to the increasing role of election observers and monitoring agencies in ensuring credibility. They said EVM-based elections allow for more systematic monitoring, including sealing procedures, mock polls, and audit trails, which can be verified at multiple stages. According to the party, such structured safeguards are harder to implement uniformly in ballot-based systems, especially across hundreds of polling booths in a large metropolitan area like Bengaluru.
As political parties continue to present their views, the debate has underscored the importance of institutional trust in the electoral process. JD(S) leaders said that irrespective of the final decision, the State Election Commission must communicate its rationale clearly to the public. Transparent decision-making, they argued, is as crucial as the voting mechanism itself. With the GBA poised to play a key role in shaping Bengaluru’s future, the credibility of its elections remains central to the health of urban democracy in the State.
Meanwhile, officials from the State Election Commission have indicated that the decision on the mode of voting will be taken after assessing legal provisions, logistical readiness, and resource availability. Sources said the Commission is aware of the political sensitivities surrounding the issue and is expected to weigh arguments from all stakeholders before arriving at a final decision. The choice is likely to have implications not only for the GBA polls but also for future urban local body elections in the State.
As the debate continues, the JD(S) has reiterated that its demand is rooted in ensuring fairness and efficiency rather than political advantage. Party leaders said the credibility of the GBA elections will shape public confidence in Bengaluru’s civic institutions at a time when urban governance challenges are intensifying. Whether the State Election Commission opts for EVMs or ballot papers, the decision is expected to influence both the conduct of the polls and the narrative around democratic accountability in the State’s capital city.
The JD(S) has further argued that Bengaluru’s electoral complexity makes technological support unavoidable rather than optional. With a large migrant population, mixed residential–commercial wards, and varying literacy levels, party leaders said polling systems must be intuitive and time-efficient. They claimed that EVMs reduce ambiguity for voters by simplifying the act of voting, especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. According to the party, quicker voting also lowers crowding at polling stations, which is crucial in densely packed neighbourhoods where space and security are constant challenges.
Senior JD(S) leaders also raised concerns about the manpower requirements involved in ballot-based elections. They said manual voting demands a significantly higher number of polling and counting staff, increasing the risk of fatigue-induced errors. Counting ballot papers in a citywide election like the GBA polls could stretch over several days, potentially delaying results and fuelling speculation. In contrast, they said, EVMs enable faster counting and quicker declaration of results, helping maintain public confidence in the electoral process and reducing political tension.
The party’s memorandum to the State Election Commission reportedly highlighted past instances where civic elections witnessed disputes over invalid votes, unclear markings, and recount demands. JD(S) leaders said such issues undermine the legitimacy of elected bodies and erode voter trust. They argued that EVMs virtually eliminate invalid votes, ensuring that every validly cast vote is counted accurately. In a city where voter turnout is already inconsistent, the party said safeguarding each vote becomes even more critical.
JD(S) representatives also linked the issue to administrative cost and efficiency. While the initial deployment of EVMs requires preparation and maintenance, they argued that the long-term costs of printing, transporting, storing, and securing millions of ballot papers are significantly higher. The party maintained that Bengaluru’s civic elections should be managed with fiscal prudence, especially when public resources are under pressure. According to them, a modern electoral system reflects responsible governance and efficient use of taxpayer money.
The demand for EVMs has also been framed as a signal of technological confidence in an otherwise tech-driven city. JD(S) leaders pointed out that Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s technology capital, should not rely on outdated electoral methods when more efficient alternatives are available. They said the symbolic value of using EVMs in civic elections is important, as it aligns the city’s democratic processes with its broader identity as a hub of innovation and modern governance.
At the same time, the party acknowledged that concerns over transparency and trust cannot be dismissed lightly. JD(S) leaders said they are open to additional safeguards, including mock polling, cross-verification mechanisms, and observer oversight, to address apprehensions about EVM use. They emphasised that the debate should not become ideological but remain focused on ensuring a free, fair, and credible election. According to them, strengthening oversight would reinforce, not weaken, public faith in the voting process.
Political observers noted that the JD(S) demand also reflects broader anxieties among parties over electoral unpredictability in Bengaluru. With shifting demographics and issue-based voting patterns, civic elections have become increasingly competitive. Analysts said parties are keen to minimise procedural controversies that could overshadow campaign issues such as infrastructure, water supply, and urban planning. In this context, the choice of voting mechanism assumes heightened political significance.
Civil society groups have offered mixed reactions to the demand. While some agree that EVMs can improve efficiency, others argue that voter education and transparency must precede any such decision. Activists stressed that the State Election Commission must ensure that whichever system is adopted, it is accompanied by clear communication to voters. Confusion or mistrust on polling day, they warned, could suppress turnout and weaken the democratic mandate of the GBA.
The State Election Commission now faces the challenge of balancing administrative feasibility with political consensus. Officials are expected to consult legal provisions governing local body elections, past precedents, and logistical readiness before arriving at a decision. The Commission’s choice will likely set a precedent for future civic polls across Karnataka, particularly in other large urban centres facing similar administrative pressures.
As the GBA elections approach, the debate over EVMs versus ballot papers has become a proxy for larger questions about urban democracy and governance. JD(S) leaders insist that their demand is aimed at strengthening electoral credibility rather than securing partisan advantage. Ultimately, the manner in which the elections are conducted may shape not only the composition of the Greater Bengaluru Authority but also public trust in the institutions responsible for managing the city’s future.
Follow: Karnataka Government
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
