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Karnataka Survey Reports Broad Trust in EVMs as Parties Battle Over Its Credibility

The newly public KMEA report, commissioned for a May 2025 SVEEP evaluation, is being challenged by Karnataka Congress leaders as methodologically limited and outdated.

Overview

  • Published by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority, the study finds 91.31% of respondents say elections are free and fair and 83.61% express trust in EVM accuracy.
  • The survey covered 5,100 people across 102 assembly constituencies in all four divisions and was conducted by GRAAM in May 2025 for the Chief Electoral Officer’s SVEEP assessment.
  • BJP leaders cite the findings to counter Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote chori’ allegations, calling the results a direct blow to the Congress narrative.
  • Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and minister Priyank Kharge argue the survey predates the August 2025 allegations, samples roughly 50 people per constituency, and reflects perceptions rather than an integrity audit; they also question the contractor’s independence.
  • The report also notes concerns over election inducements and money power, with 16.33% reporting inducement attempts and 44.90% saying money’s influence is rising, even as the state proposes paper ballots for upcoming local-body polls.