Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Karnataka to Use Ballot Papers for Bengaluru Municipal Elections
The Karnataka State Election Commission has decided to use ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs) for the upcoming Bengaluru Municipal Elections.
This decision was made after the state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, recommended using ballot papers.
The Supreme Court has set a deadline of June 30, 2026, for the elections to be held.
The last time EVMs were used for these elections was in 1996.
The Congress party has been pushing for ballot papers, alleging that EVMs were manipulated to benefit the BJP.
The BJP has criticized the Congress party's decision, stating that the Congress will lose regardless of the voting method.
The draft electoral rolls for the elections have been published, and the final list will be available by March 16, 2026.
There are 8,891,411 voters in the five corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, with 8,044 polling booths identified.
Karnataka State Election Commission decides to use ballot papers for Bengaluru Municipal Elections instead of EVMs.
Decision follows recommendation by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led state cabinet and allegations of EVM manipulation by the Congress party.
Supreme Court sets June 30, 2026, as the deadline for holding the elections.
Draft electoral rolls for the elections have been published, with the final list to be available by March 16, 2026.
BJP criticizes the Congress party's decision, stating that the Congress will lose regardless of the voting method.
- Who
- Karnataka State Election Commission, Karnataka Government, Supreme Court of India, Congress Party, BJP
- What
- Decision to use ballot papers instead of EVMs for Bengaluru Municipal Elections
- When
- Decision announced on January 19, 2026; Elections to be held by June 30, 2026
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Why
- Recommendation by the state cabinet led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, allegations of EVM manipulation by the Congress party
- Location
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Election Type
- Bengaluru Municipal Elections
- Previous Election Method
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
- Current Election Method
- Ballot Papers
- Last EVM Election
- 1996
- Supreme Court Deadline
- June 30, 2026
- BBMP Tenure Expiry
- September 10, 2020
- Final Ward-wise Reservation List Deadline
- February 20, 2026
- Total Voters in GBA
- 8,891,411
- Draft Electoral Rolls Publication Date
- March 16, 2026
- Number of Polling Booths
- 8,044
- Male Voters
- 45,69,193
- Female Voters
- 45,20,583
- Other Voters
- 1,635
Sources
Ballot Paper Returns As Karnataka Poll Body Ditches EVMs For Bengaluru Civic Body Elections
Bengaluru municipal election to be held using ballot papers after Karnataka cabinet recommendation
Bengaluru Civic Polls To Be Held On Ballot Papers Amid EVM Debate
Bengaluru civic polls after May 25, ballot papers to be used instead of EVMs: Karnataka Chief Election Commissioner
Bengaluru civic body polls will be held after May 25 with ballot papers: state EC
Bengaluru Civic Polls: SIR Underway, Ballot Papers to Replace EVMs; Elections After May 25
Bengaluru Civic Body Polls After May 25 With Ballot Papers: Karnataka EC
Ballot papers to be used for Bengaluru civic body polls: State Election Commission
Karnataka objects to Maharashtra’s case on border issue
SIR Must Not Exclude Genuine Voters, Says CM Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Opposes Maharashtra’s Petition on Border Dispute
Karnataka: State Election Commission For GBA Elections With Ballot Papers
Karnataka Election Commission Confirms Ballot Papers For GBA Elections
Karnataka Considering Holding Local All Body Polls At One Go: DK Shivakumar
GBA civic polls: Draft electoral rolls released
