Congress alleges BJP used electoral rolls revision for political propaganda in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A political dispute has emerged in the Jayanagar area of Bengaluru, Karnataka, following allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) used the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to distribute pamphlets featuring its leaders. The Congress party has accused the BJP of violating election rules by mixing government work with political campaigning.

In a letter to the authorities, former Congress MLA Soumya Reddy claimed that a BJP-appointed Booth Level Agent (BLA), identified as Chandrashekar Patil, was caught distributing pamphlets alongside a government-appointed Booth Level Officer (BLO), D P Soumya. The incident came to light after a video went viral on social media showing Patil distributing pamphlets bearing photographs of BJP leaders, while the BLO accompanied him.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a periodic exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India to update electoral rolls. During this process, officials are required to remain non-partisan and refrain from any activity that could influence voters. The Congress has alleged that the presence of a BLO during the distribution of BJP pamphlets amounts to misuse of government machinery for political gain.

Reddy's letter demands an investigation into the matter and action against those responsible. As of now, there has been no official response from the BJP or the election authorities. The incident underscores the sensitive nature of electoral roll revision, which is meant to ensure accurate voter lists ahead of elections.

This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced in Karnataka. In previous revision drives, opposition parties have accused ruling parties of attempting to influence the process. The Election Commission of India has guidelines prohibiting any political activity by government officials during electoral roll updates.