New Delhi: A comprehensive post election survey in Karnataka highlighting strong public confidence in Electronic Voting Machines has triggered a sharp political exchange between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, with both sides offering contrasting interpretations of the findings.
The Knowledge Attitude Practice survey, conducted among 5,100 voters across 102 Assembly constituencies, reported high voter participation and widespread trust in the electoral process during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. According to the study, more than 95 percent of respondents said they had voted, while over 83 percent expressed confidence in EVMs and the overall conduct of the polls. The survey also noted that voter turnout in Karnataka rose to nearly 72 percent in 2024, marking an improvement over the previous general election.
The BJP cited the findings as proof that allegations of vote manipulation lacked public support. Party leaders argued that the data reflected faith in India’s democratic institutions and dismissed claims questioning the credibility of elections. They said the results directly undermined narratives suggesting systematic interference in voting or collusion involving election authorities.
The Congress, however, distanced itself from the survey and questioned its legitimacy. Senior leaders clarified that the Karnataka government did not sanction or commission the study and raised concerns about the agency involved, the survey framework, and the size and spread of the sample. They argued that a limited dataset could not be used to dismiss serious complaints related to electoral rolls.
Congress leaders reiterated allegations of large scale voter deletions in parts of northern Karnataka, particularly in Kalaburagi and Aland. These claims centre on assertions that thousands of voters from marginalised communities were removed from the rolls ahead of recent elections. The issue remains under investigation, with reports indicating that financial incentives may have been used to carry out deletions, involving multiple individuals.
Interestingly, the survey found that trust in EVMs was highest in the Kalaburagi division, the same region where allegations of vote theft first gained prominence. The study also highlighted gaps in awareness around online voter services, grievance redressal mechanisms and special voting provisions, despite high possession of voter identity cards.
Overall, the findings suggest significant progress in voter participation and confidence in Karnataka, while also underlining persistent challenges in inclusion, awareness and last mile outreach. At the same time, the survey has added fresh fuel to an already intense political debate over the integrity of the electoral process.
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