Karnataka Government Survey Shows High Public Trust in EVMs, Triggers Political Row

A survey commissioned by the Karnataka government has revealed a high level of public confidence in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the conduct of elections, setting off a fresh political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The findings have assumed significance as they directly intersect with opposition allegations of electoral manipulation following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Rahul Gandhi alleged voter fraud during his press conference in New Delhi. (PTI photo) India Today

What the Survey Says

The survey, conducted by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority, assessed public knowledge, attitudes and practices related to elections. It covered 5,100 respondents across 102 Assembly constituencies spanning Bengaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi and Mysuru divisions.

According to the report, more than 83 per cent of respondents said they trust EVMs, while a substantial majority also expressed confidence in the accuracy of election results. The survey further indicated that most voters believe elections in India are conducted freely and fairly, suggesting strong institutional trust in the electoral process.

Regional data showed the highest levels of trust in Kalaburagi and Mysuru divisions, while Bengaluru recorded a relatively higher proportion of neutral responses, reflecting some urban scepticism without outright rejection of EVMs.

BJP Seizes on Findings

The BJP was quick to cite the survey as a rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s repeated claims of “vote chori” and alleged manipulation of electoral outcomes. Party leaders said the data exposed a disconnect between opposition rhetoric and public sentiment, arguing that voters themselves do not share doubts about EVM credibility.

Senior BJP leaders termed the survey a validation of India’s electoral system and accused the Congress of undermining democratic institutions for political convenience. The party also questioned why the Karnataka government opted for ballot papers in local body elections if public trust in EVMs was as strong as the survey suggests.

Congress Pushes Back

The Congress, however, dismissed the survey’s conclusions, questioning both its methodology and political intent. Party leaders argued that the sample size was insufficient to draw state-wide conclusions and alleged that the findings were being selectively amplified to counter opposition criticism of the Election Commission.

Karnataka leaders maintained that raising questions about electoral transparency does not amount to attacking democracy, insisting that scrutiny strengthens institutions rather than weakens them. They also pointed out that the survey does not negate concerns about voter list management, administrative fairness and institutional accountability.

EVM Debate in a Larger Context

Electronic Voting Machines have long been a flashpoint in Indian politics. While the Election Commission has consistently defended their security and reliability, opposition parties across election cycles have raised concerns about transparency and oversight. Courts have largely upheld the system, while limited VVPAT verification has been introduced to enhance confidence.

The Karnataka survey has now added a new dimension to this debate by placing public perception at the centre of the political argument.

The MGMM Outlook

The Karnataka government’s own survey has quietly punctured the loud and repetitive claims of “vote chori” pushed by Rahul Gandhi after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. With over 83 per cent of respondents expressing trust in EVMs and confidence in the fairness of Indian elections, the findings expose a stark mismatch between opposition rhetoric and public belief. The data reflects widespread institutional trust across regions, especially in Kalaburagi and Mysuru, suggesting that voters themselves do not share the suspicion being projected from political platforms. Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, repeated without substantiated evidence, appear increasingly detached from ground realities and risk eroding faith in democratic processes rather than strengthening them.

What makes the episode more telling is the Congress party’s attempt to discredit a survey commissioned by its own government once the results failed to suit its narrative. While questioning institutions has become a convenient political strategy, selectively casting doubt on the Election Commission and electoral mechanisms undermines democratic stability. Rahul Gandhi’s insistence on perpetuating uncertainty around EVMs, despite judicial scrutiny and public confidence, reflects a pattern of deflecting electoral setbacks rather than engaging in introspection. In doing so, the Congress leadership risks normalising distrust as a political tool, even when evidence suggests that the electorate remains far more confident in India’s democratic machinery than its loudest critics.

(Sources: Moneycontrol, India Today, Business Today)