Bengaluru Civic Polls to Use Ballot Papers, Not EVMs, Karnataka SEC Announces

• Karnataka State Election Commission (SEC) announced Bengaluru municipal elections will use ballot papers instead of EVMs.
• State Election Commissioner GS Sangreshi stated the decision followed stakeholder consultations and legal provisions.
• The move aligns with a recommendation from the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka Cabinet last year.
• Sangreshi defended the decision, noting ballot papers are legally valid and used in other democracies like the U.S.
• The Supreme Court has directed the Karnataka government and SEC to complete Bengaluru local body elections by June 30.

Why It Matters: Bengaluru civic polls will revert to ballot papers, following a Karnataka SEC decision and Supreme Court directive.