DK Shivakumar Alleges BJP Leaders Using SIR to Delete Voters
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar claims BJP leaders are using Form 7 in bulk to target minority and SC/ST voters during the SIR process.
In a scathing attack on the ruling opposition, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has alleged that certain BJP leaders are attempting to manipulate the electoral rolls. Speaking via a video address, the Chief Minister claimed that a coordinated effort is underway to remove legitimate voters from the lists through the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Targeting Vulnerable Communities
The Chief Minister raised serious concerns regarding the misuse of Form 7, which is the official document used to request the deletion of a voter's name due to death, relocation, or ineligibility. Shivakumar alleged that these applications are being submitted in "bulk" to specifically target certain demographics.
According to the Chief Minister, the primary targets of this alleged manipulation are:
- Minority communities
- Backward classes
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
"It is very unfortunate to speak to you about the right to vote and the right to live. The entire country is shaking over this SIR issue. A big gang, some BJP leaders, is trying to delete your names through this SIR process," Shivakumar stated.
Massive Discrepancies Alleged
The Chief Minister further claimed that the scale of the issue is massive, alleging that more than 50 lakh voters have already disappeared from the electoral lists. He emphasized that many of these citizens will now be forced to file formal objections to reclaim their voting rights.
To investigate these claims, Shivakumar informed the public that he has officially sought detailed data and information from several key authorities, including:
- Police authorities
- Deputy Commissioners
- The State Election Officer
The Wider Political Context
These allegations come at a time of heightened tension between the ruling Congress and the opposition. The INDIA bloc has recently intensified its stance against what it perceives as threats to democratic institutions.
Following a coordination meeting in New Delhi, the opposition announced several major actions:
- Save Democracy March: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced nationwide protests at the district level from October 2 to October 8.
- March to Election Commission: Opposition MPs are scheduled to march to the EC on October 6.
- Meeting with President: INDIA bloc leaders plan to meet President Droupadi Murmu in the second week of October to raise their grievances.
Rahul Gandhi, addressing the meeting, reiterated the bloc's commitment to accountability, stating that the preservation of Indian democracy remains the ultimate priority, regardless of the seniority of those involved in the alleged irregularities.