'EVMs helped BJP-JD(S) win more seats in Karnataka'

BENGALURU: "Eliminate EVMs, reinstate ballot boxes, and scrutinize Lok Sabha results in Karnataka," deputy CM DK Shivakumar told media on Tuesday, adding traction to a debate on EVMs, and giving voting machines the credit for a 19-9 scorecard in the state in favour of BJP-JD(S) alliance.

The Vokkaliga strongman has been sulking after his brother DK Suresh lost to BJP's CN Manjunath by 2.7 lakh votes in Bangalore Rural. Congress was expected to win around 15 of 28 seats.
Shivakumar, also state Congress president, called for a comprehensive investigation into EVMs, while favouring scrapping of EVMs and returning to traditional ballot papers.
Referring to previous elections in Madhya Pradesh, he sought to highlight a clear disparity, claiming Congress secured a significant majority of the votes cast via ballot papers, whereas BJP garnered only the remainder.
Efforts on to safeguard civic properties: DKS
Transition to EVMs, Shivakumar said, has brought about a notable deviation in electoral outcomes, catching even BJP offguard. Rejecting BJP's allegations that BBMP properties are being pledged, Shivakumar asserted efforts are under way to safeguard civic properties through comprehensive surveys and meticulous record-keeping.
Spiking rumours about the purported sale of 20,000 acres of land around Bengaluru, Shivakumar said such speculation holds no truth.
He said the govt is planning to procure land for Peripheral Ring Road, adhering to a 60:40 ratio.