Bengaluru, March 23 -- The Karnataka Assembly on Monday passed the Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, allowing the use of ballot papers instead of EVMs in local body elections, amid strong opposition protests.
The bill, moved by Minister Priyank Kharge, triggered heated exchanges between the ruling Congress and opposition members. Leader of the Opposition R Ashok tore the bill and walked out of the House, calling it a step "back to the stone age" and accusing the government of undermining established EVM procedures.
He cited past elections in Karnataka and Telangana, where EVMs functioned smoothly, and alleged that the move was politically motivated. MLA Sunil Kumar termed the bill "anti-people," arguing it offered no benefit...