Bengaluru civic polls: With ballot papers, we’re taking a step back: D K Suresh

The State Election Commission has decided to use ballot papers for elections to five municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

Bengaluru: Former Bangalore Rural MP D K Suresh on Tuesday questioned the use of ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVM) for the Bengaluru civic polls, making him the first prominent voice from Congress to criticise the decision.

The State Election Commission (SEC) has said that ballot papers will be used for elections to five municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).

The SEC decision was based on a September 2025 Cabinet decision favouring ballot papers for local body elections, citing “lack of trust” in EVMs.

“I don't think it's necessary. We'd stopped ballot papers. We’ve taken a step forward. The party high command has to decide if taking a step back is right or wrong,” Suresh, the president of the Bangalore Milk Union Ltd, said.

Suresh is the brother of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is in charge of Bengaluru Urban Development.

Suresh also pointed out that the municipal elections would be held under the supervision of the state government and SEC.

“So, nobody can manipulate (the results),” he said.