Karnataka Launches Door-to-Door Voter Roll Revision; CM Leads by Example

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday formally launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka by filling out and submitting his enumeration form at his Sadashivanagar residence. He urged all citizens to participate in the exercise to safeguard their voting rights.

Mr. Shivakumar and his wife, Usha Shivakumar, completed the forms in the presence of Bengaluru South Deputy Commissioner and district election officials. Speaking to media, the Chief Minister said the SIR process had begun statewide and encouraged voters to ensure their electoral details were up to date.

Voters must provide the mobile number previously linked to their records. Those wishing to update their phone number can do so through election officials, after which a one-time password (OTP) will be sent to the registered number. The exercise also allows corrections to names and photographs on the electoral roll.

Booth Level Agents (BLAs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and supervisory officials have created WhatsApp groups to assist voters. For families, it is sufficient for one member to sign the forms on behalf of all household members. “One member can fill up and submit the forms for the entire family and they will be accepted,” Mr. Shivakumar said.

First-time voters must provide proof of residence. The state government has arranged to issue residence certificates and other required documents to avoid inconvenience. The Chief Minister urged people not to neglect the exercise. “Everyone should safeguard their voting rights. If they fail to do so, they may find it difficult to access government schemes and services in future,” he said.

Acknowledging difficulties with the ECINet app, especially for the elderly, Mr. Shivakumar admitted he too had sought assistance. “Those who are not comfortable with the online process can obtain the form from the Booth Level Officer and complete it offline,” he added.

When asked about the significance of SIR, the Chief Minister referred to developments in some other states where, he claimed, welfare benefits were being linked to voter status. “Our guarantees are meant for the people of Karnataka. Why should benefits meant for Karnataka be extended to voters from other states? Our intention is that these benefits should reach only the residents and voters of Karnataka,” he said.