Karnataka CM says electoral roll revision puts opposition at risk, asks party workers to aid voters

Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday urged party workers and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to act as help desks during the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He claimed the exercise could put opposition parties at a disadvantage if eligible voters fail to complete the enumeration process.

Addressing the Congress party's Sankalpa Samavesha programme in Bengaluru, Shivakumar called on party leaders to remain vigilant, assist voters with documentation, and ensure that migrant workers and other eligible citizens are not excluded from the rolls.

"The Centre has put us in danger. Tamil Nadu has cut 64 lakhs. There has been a cut in West Bengal. Whether it is Mallikarjun Kharge or me, everyone should fill the enumeration form. I have also discussed with all the officials. All our BLAs should become help desks. Congress leaders should pay attention to what the government is doing or not. Attention should be paid to everyone who has gone out to work," the chief minister said.

The SIR is a routine exercise conducted by the Election Commission to update and correct electoral rolls, typically ahead of major elections. However, opposition parties, including the Congress, have alleged that the process is being used to remove eligible voters, particularly from marginalized communities and migrant workers. The Election Commission has dismissed these allegations, stating that the revision is conducted transparently and follows due process.

Shivakumar emphasized that Congress workers should actively reach out to migrant labourers and other voters who may be away from their native places, helping them complete the required formalities to ensure their names remain on the voter list.

The remarks come as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) intensifies its statewide campaign against the SIR. The party has launched an awareness drive under the banner "Congress Nade Matadarara Kadege" (Congress March Towards Voters), aimed at educating citizens about the revision process and encouraging voter participation.

The Congress has alleged that the BJP-led central government has influenced the Election Commission in ways that could affect voter lists and democratic processes. To monitor developments, the party has constituted an SIR Voter List Review Committee and planned a series of awareness meetings across Karnataka. Programmes are scheduled in Mangaluru, Hubballi, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, and Bengaluru between June 23 and June 30 as part of the campaign.

During his address, Shivakumar also referred to the power-sharing arrangement within the Karnataka Congress government, stating that he had honoured the understanding reached when the government was formed. "I went with Siddaramaiah. Whatever was said about the handover, I worked according to it. I was patient. I did not make a single statement. The transfer of power took place as expected," he said.