Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to Revert to Ballot Papers for Local Polls

Key facts

• The Karnataka Cabinet approved the introduction of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to replace Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot papers for local body elections.
• The amendment aims to ensure transparency and confidentiality in the election process for local authorities including Gram Panchayats.
• The State Election Commission (SEC) will be entrusted with the responsibility of independently preparing and revising electoral rolls for local bodies.
• The SEC conducts polls for rural local bodies such as Zilla, Taluk, and Gram Panchayats, and urban local bodies including Municipal Corporations and Town Panchayats.
• Upcoming elections for five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) are scheduled to be held using ballot papers after May 2026.