Punjab Civic Polls to be held with ballot papers; BJP alleges bid to ‘Rig Elections’
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 13, 2026: In a major development ahead of Punjab’s local body elections, the Punjab State Election Commission has announced that voting for municipal corporations and municipal councils across the state will be conducted through ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The move has triggered a political storm in Punjab, with the BJP accusing the ruling establishment of trying to manipulate the electoral process.
According to the election schedule, polling for eight municipal corporations and 76 municipal councils will be held on May 26, while counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on May 29. The nomination process has also begun from today.
The return to ballot papers marks a significant change, as the previous local body elections in Punjab were conducted using EVMs. With the switch back to traditional voting, political parties have intensified preparations, candidate selection and campaign planning across the state.
The elections are already being seen as a high-stakes political battle and a “semi-final” ahead of future Assembly and parliamentary contests in Punjab.
Reacting sharply to the decision, Sunil Jakhar alleged that the move was aimed at enabling electoral malpractice.
After meeting officials of the State Election Commission, Jakhar accused the government of attempting to “loot elections” by replacing EVMs with ballot papers.
“The switch from EVMs to ballot papers in municipal polls is meant to loot elections. It is an attack on Punjab’s voting rights and a plan to rig elections,” he said.
The Punjab BJP chief further termed the decision a “dangerous blueprint to steal votes and hijack democracy”, alleging that it reflected fear of transparent elections.
Jakhar claimed the move exposed a “desperate mindset” seeking to capture power through manipulation rather than democratic competition.