The Karnataka government has confirmed that upcoming local body elections will be conducted using ballot papers following cabinet approval, even as the State Election Commission decides whether to use the old or new voters list. The move comes despite the Congress suffering a 4-0 defeat against the NDA in recent MLC elections conducted via ballots. The decision has sparked internal debate within the Congress, with MP D.K. Suresh previously questioning the replacement of EVMs. Meanwhile, the BJP has strongly opposed the decision, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi terming the shift regressive and accusing the state government of attempting to cover up its electoral setbacks.