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BBMP Elections: The Karnataka government’s decision to conduct elections for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike using ballot papers has triggered a sharp political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. The move has become a fresh flashpoint in the ongoing debate over election transparency, governance credibility, and political consistency, especially in the run-up to crucial local body polls in Bengaluru.

BJP Reaction to Ballot Paper-Based BBMP Elections

Reacting strongly to the announcement, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress of double standards and political opportunism. Speaking to a news agency, he stated that the ruling party was once again attempting to divert attention from its internal challenges by raising doubts over election processes. According to him, whether elections are conducted through ballot papers or electronic voting machines, the electoral outcome would remain unchanged, with the Congress facing defeat.

Poonawalla claimed that the decision to revert to ballot papers exposes what he described as the Congress party’s hypocrisy. He recalled that it was the Congress-led government that initially introduced electronic voting machines in Karnataka’s local body elections and later expanded their usage nationwide. In his view, questioning the same system today reflects political convenience rather than genuine concern for democratic integrity.

Debate Over EVM Credibility and Past Election Results

Highlighting past electoral outcomes, Poonawalla pointed out that the Congress had accepted victories in several states where elections were conducted using electronic voting machines without the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail mechanism. He cited local body elections in Kerala and Assembly elections in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Jharkhand as examples. According to him, the sudden criticism of electronic voting machines stems not from technical flaws but from political anxiety.

He further remarked that election technology becomes controversial only when results are unfavorable, adding that such narratives are aimed at protecting political interests rather than strengthening democratic processes.

Madras High Court Order and Political Fallout

The BJP spokesperson also commented on the recent ruling by the Madras High Court, which quashed a First Information Report filed against BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya. The case related to a social media post concerning remarks made by Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sanatan Dharma.

Poonawalla described the court’s observations as significant, stating that the judiciary had clearly expressed concern over the misuse of legal processes. He argued that the ruling underlined issues of selective outrage and intolerance, while also emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression within constitutional limits.

Congress Protest Over MGNREGA Changes

Turning to another contentious issue, Poonawalla criticized the Congress for protesting alleged changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. He stated that senior Congress leaders had previously acknowledged that the employment scheme was not a permanent solution to rural distress. According to him, the current central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has allocated significantly higher funds to the scheme compared to previous administrations.

He also referenced earlier statements by leaders across party lines suggesting that states should take greater responsibility in implementing welfare schemes to ensure accountability and effective delivery at the grassroots level.

Allegations Over Voter List Revision Exercise

Poonawalla further addressed opposition allegations related to the Special Intensive Revision exercise of electoral rolls. He claimed that the process was conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court and involved extensive verification. According to him, opposition parties raised objections publicly but failed to submit formal complaints during legal proceedings.

He alleged that misinformation around voter list revisions was being used to provoke public unrest and facilitate illegal entries, rather than to safeguard democratic participation. In his remarks, he emphasized that electoral transparency and lawful verification remain essential for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.

Political Climate Ahead of Local Body Polls

The controversy surrounding ballot paper elections, court rulings, welfare schemes, and voter list revisions reflects the increasingly polarized political environment in Karnataka and beyond. As parties gear up for local body elections, governance decisions are being closely scrutinized, with each move likely to influence public perception and electoral narratives.