Karnataka CEO Defends Voter List Revision as BJP, JD(S) Raise Concerns

The Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, V Anbukumar, has defended the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, following complaints raised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)). On Wednesday, Anbukumar stated that the exercise is being carried out strictly in accordance with the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

“We are doing it as per law. We want to assure that the exercise will be carried out as per directions issued by the ECI,” Anbukumar said during a press conference in Bengaluru. He added that any complaints regarding the distribution of forms in groups have been addressed and will be scrutinised according to legal provisions.

The BJP and JD(S) had approached the ECI a day earlier, alleging irregularities in the SIR process. The SIR is a comprehensive revision of the electoral roll aimed at updating voter details, including additions, deletions, and corrections. The Opposition parties have raised questions about the fairness of the process, particularly regarding the manner in which forms are being distributed and collected.

Anbukumar emphasised that the election machinery is committed to conducting the revision transparently and in accordance with established procedures. He assured that all complaints would be examined and necessary action taken as per law. The CEO also reiterated that the ECI's guidelines are being followed to ensure the integrity of the electoral roll.

The development comes amidst heightened political activity in Karnataka, with elections expected later this year. The voter list revision is a routine exercise, but it often becomes a point of contention between ruling and opposition parties, each accusing the other of attempting to manipulate the rolls for electoral advantage.

The ECI has not yet issued a formal response to the complaints from the BJP and JD(S).