Karnataka Assembly passes Bill to use ballot papers instead of EVMs in panchayat polls
On 23 March 2026 the Karnataka Assembly passed the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, replacing EVMs with ballot papers for rural local body elections, amid a BJP walkout.
Summary
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on 23 March 2026 passed the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides for ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines in gram, taluk and zilla panchayat elections. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge, who piloted it, said the Election Commission of India had not adequately addressed concerns about EVMs. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka tore a copy of the Bill and BJP members walked out. The same day the Assembly passed the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026 – the 'Eva Nammava' Bill – moved by Law Minister H.K. Patil to curb honour crimes.
Key facts
- Bill
- Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026
- Passed
- Assembly, 23 March 2026
- Change
- Ballot papers instead of EVMs for gram, taluk and zilla panchayat polls
- Piloted by
- Minister Priyank Kharge
- Opposition
- BJP walkout; LoP R. Ashoka tore the Bill
- Also passed
- 'Eva Nammava' Bill against honour crimes (H.K. Patil)
Practice MCQs 3 questions
In March 2026, which state's Assembly passed a Bill to use ballot papers instead of EVMs in panchayat elections?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Karnataka
The Karnataka Assembly passed the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on 23 March 2026.
The 'Eva Nammava' Bill passed by the Karnataka Assembly on 23 March 2026 deals with:
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Correct answer: D — Honour crimes linked to marriage
The Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026 ('Eva Nammava') aims to curb honour crimes.
Consider the following about the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026: 1. It provides for ballot papers in gram, taluk and zilla panchayat elections. 2. It also applies to elections to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The Bill amends the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act and covers only gram, taluk and zilla panchayat elections, not Assembly elections.