New Delhi, January 2, 2026. A recent survey conducted by the Karnataka government claims that public trust in the state’s elections is strong. According to the survey, approximately 91 percent of respondents believed that the elections were conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with democratic processes. The government states that this figure reflects public confidence in the state’s electoral system and administrative transparency.

A study by a Karnataka government agency claims that 91% of the state’s people believe elections in India are conducted independently and fairly and that EVMs deliver accurate results. This report was published by the Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority (KMEA).

This survey comes at a time when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has been consistently accusing the BJP of ‘vote theft’ in several states. He has also claimed vote theft in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi. The Congress is in power in Karnataka. In this context, the BJP has counterattacked Rahul over the survey report.

A BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly wrote on social media platform X, ‘People trust the elections, trust EVMs, and trust India’s democratic process. This survey is a tight slap on the Congress’s face. While citizens are showing trust, the Congress is expressing doubt.’

The Karnataka government said this trust in fair elections is extremely important for democracy. Participants in the survey also acknowledged that the Election Commission and state administration played a crucial role in maintaining law and order, providing facilities at polling stations, and ensuring transparency. Positive feedback about the electoral process was particularly noted among women voters and first-time voters.

However, opposition parties have also raised questions about this survey. They argue that because it is a government survey, the independence and impartiality of its conclusions can be doubted. The opposition contends that to understand the real situation related to elections, a study should be conducted by an independent agency. Despite this, the government says the survey’s purpose is self-evaluation and understanding points for improvement in the system.

According to political analysts, this survey has emerged at a time when debates about electoral transparency and the reliability of EVMs continue nationwide. 91 percent of people considering elections fair is seen as a positive sign for the government and electoral institutions, but it is also essential that the concerns of the remaining dissatisfied segment be heard seriously.

Karnataka

Karnataka is a state in southwestern India with a rich history spanning ancient empires like the Vijayanagara and the Chalukyas, evident in its UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hampi and Pattadakal. Its diverse culture is renowned for classical arts, including Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance, and its modern capital, Bengaluru, is a global technology hub. The region’s heritage is also reflected in its distinct Kannada language, literature, and varied traditions from coastal Karnataka to the Deccan plateau.

New Delhi

New Delhi is the capital of India, officially inaugurated in 1931 as the new seat of the British Indian government, replacing Calcutta. It was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, featuring wide boulevards and grand colonial-era buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Today, it serves as the political and administrative heart of the country, adjacent to the historic city of Old Delhi, which dates back to the Mughal era.

Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority (KMEA)

The Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority (KMEA) is a specialized government body established to enhance governance and accountability within the Indian state of Karnataka. Its primary function is to systematically monitor and evaluate the implementation and outcomes of various government programs and policies, ensuring they meet their objectives efficiently and effectively. While a relatively recent institutional creation, it represents a modern administrative effort to promote data-driven decision-making and transparency in public administration.

Congress

“Congress” most commonly refers to the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. Established by the Constitution in 1789, it is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making federal laws. Its creation was a foundational element of the American system of checks and balances, designed to represent the people and the states.

BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a major political party in India, founded in 1980. It has its ideological roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the broader Hindu nationalist movement, advocating for cultural nationalism and conservative policies. The BJP has grown to become India’s dominant political force, forming the central government since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kalaburagi

Kalaburagi (formerly known as Gulbarga) is a historic city in the Indian state of Karnataka, most famous as the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate from the 14th to 15th centuries. Its most prominent landmark is the Gulbarga Fort, which contains the impressive Jama Masjid, a mosque often compared to the Great Mosque of Córdoba in Spain. The city also features the tomb of Sultan Firuz Shah Bahmani and the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, reflecting its rich blend of Islamic and regional architectural heritage.

Karnataka Legislative Assembly

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly, also known as the Vidhana Soudha, is the seat of the state legislature in Bengaluru. Completed in 1956, its grand neo-Dravidian architecture was conceived by Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah to symbolize the people’s sovereignty and the post-independence identity of Karnataka. It houses the state’s legislative assembly and secretariat, functioning as the center of democratic governance for the state.

Election Commission

The Election Commission is an independent governmental body responsible for administering and overseeing the electoral process in a country, ensuring free and fair elections. Its history is tied to the development of modern democracies, with many established in the 19th or 20th centuries to replace partisan-controlled elections and reduce corruption. By managing voter registration, candidate nominations, and vote counting, it serves as a fundamental institution for upholding democratic principles and public trust.