New Delhi, Jan.02,2026:The Karnataka EVM Trust Survey was conducted by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority (KMEA), which operates under the state’s Planning and Statistics Department.
The survey covered 5,100 voters across multiple constituencies and focused on voters’ knowledge, attitude, and behaviour related to elections, democratic participation, and trust in the voting process.
One of its most striking findings was the high level of public confidence in Electronic Voting Machines.
Karnataka EVM Trust Survey
According to the survey report
- 85% of respondents expressed trust in EVMs
- A large majority described the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as free and fair
- Most voters rejected the idea that elections in India are systematically manipulated
These numbers directly contradict claims made by some opposition leaders questioning the integrity of the electoral process.
The Karnataka EVM Trust Survey thus emerged as a politically sensitive document in the post-election environment.
Why the Survey Matters After the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
The timing of the survey has added to its significance.
Following the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s strong performance in the 2024 general elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi repeatedly alleged that elections were influenced by “institutional bias” and “vote manipulation.”
Against this backdrop, the Karnataka EVM Trust Survey has been projected by the BJP as public validation of the Election Commission’s credibility.
BJP’s Sharp Attack on Rahul Gandhi
The BJP wasted no time in weaponising the survey.
State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra took to social media platform X to celebrate the findings, declaring that Congress’s “vote theft theory” had once again been exposed.
“The Karnataka government’s published survey clearly shows that the people of India trust the electoral process,” Vijayendra wrote.
He described the survey as a direct rebuttal to Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of refusing to accept electoral defeats and instead choosing to undermine democratic institutions.
“Vote Theft Theory Exposed”
Vijayendra, son of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, went further by calling Rahul Gandhi’s campaign against the Election Commission “reckless and irresponsible.”
According to BJP leaders, the Karnataka EVM Trust Survey proves that public faith in democracy remains intact despite repeated attempts to cast doubt on it.
This line of attack has now become a central BJP talking point nationwide.
Congress Government Distances Itself from the Survey
Faced with growing political pressure, the Congress-led Karnataka government moved quickly to clarify its position.
State IT and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge categorically denied that the survey was commissioned, approved, or ordered by the state government.
He stressed that the Karnataka EVM Trust Survey should not be portrayed as a Congress endorsement of EVMs.
Priyank Kharge Questions Survey Design and Agency
Priyank Kharge raised several concerns
- Who designed the survey framework?
- Which agency conducted it?
- Is a sample size of 5,100 voters sufficient across 110+ assembly constituencies?
He claimed the Election Commission had sought assistance from a non-governmental organisation, reportedly run by individuals named Balakrishnan or Balasubramaniam, raising transparency questions.
Allegations of ‘Vote Theft’ in Kalaburagi and Aland
Kharge reignited controversy by alleging irregularities in Kalaburagi and Aland constituencies.
He echoed Rahul Gandhi’s earlier claims that
- Voter names were removed from electoral rolls
- There was collusion between the BJP and Election Commission
- The alleged manipulation occurred before the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls
These claims remain disputed, with no official confirmation from the Election Commission.
Role of Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority
The Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority, though a state-linked body, operates independently for policy evaluation.
This institutional grey area has allowed both BJP and Congress to selectively interpret the Karnataka EVM Trust Survey to suit their narratives.
Political analysts say the lack of clear ownership has fuelled confusion and controversy.
Broader Debate on EVM Credibility in India
EVMs have been used in Indian elections for decades and have repeatedly passed judicial scrutiny.
The Supreme Court and Election Commission have consistently rejected allegations of tampering, citing technical safeguards and VVPAT verification.
Election Commission’s Stand on EVM Trust
The Election Commission has maintained that
- EVMs are tamper-proof
- VVPAT audits ensure transparency
- Allegations are often politically motivated
The Karnataka EVM Trust Survey indirectly reinforces this institutional stance.
Political Impact on Karnataka and National Politics
The controversy has widened political fault lines in Karnataka, where Congress governs but faces aggressive opposition messaging.
Nationally, the issue adds fuel to the ongoing debate about democratic credibility, institutional trust, and opposition strategy post-2024.
What the Karnataka EVM Trust Survey Signals Going Forward
The Karnataka EVM Trust Survey highlights a critical reality
Despite political noise, public confidence in India’s electoral system remains strong.
Whether this dampens opposition allegations or sharpens political rhetoric remains to be seen—but the survey has undeniably reshaped the narrative.
At its core, the Karnataka EVM debate is less about machines and more about trust.
Trust in institutions.
Trust in democracy.
Trust in outcomes.
And for now, the Karnataka EVM Trust Survey suggests that the Indian voter still believes in the system—even as political parties continue to battle over its interpretation.
