Govt Mulls Legal Changes to Reintroduce Ballot Papers in Local Body Polls: H.K. Patil

Speedy Summary

• The Karnataka government plans to amend laws to reintroduce ballot papers for local body elections.
• Laws targeted for amendment include the Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act (1993), Karnataka Municipalities Act (1964), and Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (2024).
• Law Minister H.K. Patil emphasized that amendments would make these changes binding on the State Election Commission (SEC), which is an independent body under Articles 243(K) and 243(ZA) of the indian Constitution.
• The Minister cited distrust in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), referencing a previously submitted report alleging manipulation issues with EVMs. This report was not accepted by the Election Commission of India.
• Allegations of “vote chori” have led to discussions about revising voters’ lists specific to local elections rather of relying on Assembly constituency rolls.
• SEC Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi suggested enabling SEC itself to prepare electoral rolls via new rules or amendments; current provisions under certain acts leave this area ambiguous.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The proposed shift toward ballot papers in Karnataka’s local body elections signals a significant policy shift aimed at addressing perceived vulnerabilities in India’s electoral machinery, specifically concerns surrounding EVM manipulations. While such changes align with constitutional provisions that grant states autonomy regarding election conduct laws for local bodies, they highlight broader tensions between state governments and central electoral mechanisms.By emphasizing discrepancies in voters’ lists and taking steps to empower the SEC for independent roll planning,Karnataka seeks greater transparency amidst allegations like “vote chori.” If implemented effectively, this could enhance trust among citizens but also invites logistical challenges inherent with reverting back from EVMs-a system designed for efficiency. Political implications are contingent on whether other states follow suit or resist attempts at rolling back technological advancements tied to India’s election process.

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