Karnataka CM denies role in electoral roll revision, accuses opposition of targeting poor

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday stated that the Karnataka government has no involvement in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which is conducted solely by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He accused opposition parties of attempting to deprive poor and minority communities of their voting rights through their protests against the process.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said, “The SIR is a process undertaken by the ECI, and the government has no role in it. Taking away the voting rights of the poor and minorities is a ploy by the Opposition parties.”

His remarks followed a complaint by a delegation of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders to Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar, alleging widespread irregularities in the SIR process. The opposition parties have also called for the cancellation of the revision, citing concerns over the inclusion of ineligible voters and the removal of legitimate ones.

Shivakumar defended the state government’s cooperation with the ECI, asserting that no other state had extended as much support. He acknowledged the government’s differences with the ECI on certain aspects of the SIR, noting that the matter had been taken to court and that the government was dissatisfied with the schedule fixed for the process. “We will challenge it before the court,” he said.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the government has been running awareness campaigns urging citizens to protect their franchise, emphasising that “your right to vote is your right to life.” He alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) were uncomfortable with this voter awareness.

Shivakumar noted that the ECI has permitted all political parties to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) for the revision exercise, and that the Congress, BJP, and JD(S) have all nominated their representatives. “Officials are functioning strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Election Commission. The Opposition is now expressing a lack of faith in the ECI itself and is demanding that the SIR process be cancelled. That is a matter for the Election Commission to decide,” he said.

Questioning the opposition’s claims regarding illegal Bangladeshi migrants, Shivakumar asked why the previous BJP-JD(S) government did not identify and deport them when in power. “Nearly 4.5 crore people have been issued caste and income certificates, and these certificates can now be downloaded online. The Opposition only wants to create hardships for the poor and minorities,” he alleged.

Referring to the allegations about illegal migrants, he added, “Tell us where these Bangladeshi migrants are. If they were indeed present, why did your government not act against them when it was in power? Let them criticise as much as they want. Criticism fades away, but good work endures.”