BJP, JD(S) raise objections over SIR process
Bengaluru: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka has drawn criticism not only from the Congress but also from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (Secular), with both parties alleging serious irregularities in the ongoing exercise.
As Booth Level Officers (BLOs) continue the house-to-house verification process across the state, BJP and JD(S) leaders have accused election officials of violating prescribed norms and compromising the integrity of the revision process.
JD(S) Youth Wing State President Nikhil Kumaraswamy alleged that the SIR exercise in Ramanagara Assembly constituency has been marred by procedural violations.
In a series of posts on X, he claimed that instead of distributing enumeration forms through door-to-door visits, BLOs had allegedly gathered residents at a marriage hall in Tippu Nagar under Ward No. 23 of Ramanagara Town Municipality.
Calling it an “SIR fair” rather than a lawful revision exercise, Nikhil accused officials of undermining democratic processes by ignoring Election Commission guidelines.
He demanded the immediate suspension of the ongoing SIR process in Ramanagara and urged the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka to personally supervise the exercise.
He also sought the suspension of BLOs allegedly responsible for violating norms and called for strict legal action against those found guilty.
Nikhil further appealed to the Election Commission to act against the reported irregularities, stating that an institution known for maintaining transparency should not remain silent if election rules are being violated.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader C.T. Ravi alleged that nearly 6,000 voters in Chikkamagaluru have been adversely affected by the SIR process.
Collector Referring to reports that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had allegedly instructed officials in a meeting to ensure that no minority voter is left out during the revision exercise, Ravi questioned whether the same concern extended equally to voters from the majority community.
He also alleged that the Congress government was attempting to influence the revision process and questioned why officials had not been specifically instructed to eliminate duplicate or fake voters from the electoral rolls.
Ravi further claimed that if district officials had instead been directed to prevent duplicate entries and exclude illegal voters, including alleged Bangladeshi nationals, it would have reflected a genuinely transparent exercise.
He accused the Congress of exerting pressure on Returning Officers (ROs) and Deputy Commissioners, alleging that such interference raises doubts about the fairness of the SIR process.
The Election Commission has not yet issued an official response to the allegations made by BJP and JD(S) leaders.
