Karnataka voter roll revision: NDA alleges irregularities, CM denies interference

New Delhi: A delegation of NDA leaders on Monday submitted a formal complaint to Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukumar, alleging that officials were showing 'zero regard for the approved process' during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.

The delegation demanded a thorough inquiry, mandatory door-to-door re-verification of all enumeration forms, and strict legal action against officials and political functionaries found responsible for the alleged irregularities.

In their letter, the leaders said they were writing to express 'serious concern over the massive irregularities' in the SIR exercise. They alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were not following mandatory guidelines for door-to-door verification laid down by the district election officer.

The delegation claimed that multiple complaints had been received from several parts of the state. They alleged that enumeration forms were being filled out at community halls, mosques, and the residences of BLOs. WhatsApp groups, they said, had also been created for the exercise, with people being encouraged to visit these locations to complete the SIR process.

'Such a practice is a breach of the established SIR guidelines and raises serious concerns regarding the neutrality and secular character of the electoral process,' the delegation stated. They added that no deviation is allowed from the procedures prescribed by the Election Commission of India.

Opposition parties have, over the past few days, accused the Congress government in Karnataka of 'facilitating the inclusion of illegal immigrants' through mass enrolment camps. They released videos allegedly showing mass enumeration camps instead of house-to-house visits by BLOs.

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar rejected the allegations and asserted that the government would not interfere in the SIR exercise. He claimed the opposition was 'worried' because the government was creating large-scale awareness about the revision process.

'The government will not interfere in the SIR process. The opposition is worried because the government is creating awareness about the process on such a large scale. Around 4.5 crore people have obtained caste and income certificates. They have been given the facility to download these certificates online. The Opposition only wants poor people and minorities to face difficulties,' Shivakumar said.

He challenged the opposition: 'Tell us where the Bangladeshi migrants are. If they are there, why didn't your government take action when it was in power?' He added, 'Let them criticise as much as they want. Criticism fades away, but good work remains.'

Stressing the importance of the SIR process in safeguarding democratic rights, Shivakumar said, 'We are ensuring that everyone gets the right to vote. The Opposition should appreciate the work we have done. I have also instructed our party workers to remain alert. The Opposition only speaks to criticise.'