DK Shivakumar backs Rahul Gandhi’s ECI march, slams BJP
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar defends Rahul Gandhi's protest against the ECI over voter roll deletions, calling it the voice of the people.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has thrown his full support behind the INDIA bloc's recent protest march to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Addressing the media on Tuesday, the Chief Minister defended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's actions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, asserting that Gandhi is fighting for the fundamental rights of the country's electorate.
'Voice of the People'
The protest follows a march by INDIA bloc MPs from Parliament to Nirvachan Sadan, where leaders including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were reportedly stopped from entering the Election Commission office complex. The march sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amidst serious allegations regarding the deletion of voter names.
“Let them stop, let them do, let them harass. Rahul Gandhi will not care for this because he is fighting for the cause of the people and the electorate of this country,” Shivakumar stated. He emphasized that the concerns surrounding the SIR process are not merely political maneuvers but represent a broader public outcry. “The SIR issue is not the voice of us; it is the voice of the people... Rahul Gandhi is doing his job. There is nothing wrong with it,” he added.
Allegations of Criminal Conspiracy
The controversy has intensified following reports from Bengaluru, where police have registered an FIR against two BJP Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and others. They are accused of submitting fraudulent Form-7 applications intended to delete 5,698 voters from the Jayanagar Assembly constituency.
Shivakumar leveled heavy accusations against the BJP, suggesting that the party leaders are attempting to shield their own workers from accountability. He described the situation as a major scandal, stating, “It is a big criminal conspiracy in the history of India.”
Challenge to BJP Leadership
Responding to criticisms from the opposition, the Chief Minister challenged prominent BJP leaders—including Yediyurappa, Bommai, Kumaraswamy, Shobha, Vijayendra, and Ashok—to certify whether they had personally submitted the required forms if they claim voter names are being unfairly removed. He maintained that if any citizen feels their vote has been "snatched," it is their duty to file a formal complaint.
Shivakumar reiterated his commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, regardless of political affiliation. “I know what all ruckus they (BJP) are trying to do... It is my bound duty to protect even their voters also. Any of the names should not be deleted,” he said.
He further noted that following the recent intervention, the Election Commission has issued directives to all Taluk offices and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) stating that no names can be deleted without thorough verification.