Leaders of the NDA on Monday approached Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukumar with a formal complaint, alleging widespread procedural lapses in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state's electoral rolls and seeking an investigation into the exercise.
In their representation, the delegation called for a comprehensive inquiry, compulsory door-to-door re-verification of every enumeration form, and stringent legal action against officials and political functionaries found to have violated the prescribed process.
"We write to express serious concern over the massive irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of the electoral rolls in the state of Karnataka. The officials who are supposed to conduct the SIR are showing zero regard for the approved process, thereby undermining the very spirit of democracy," the leaders said in their letter.
The delegation alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) had failed to follow the mandatory door-to-door verification procedure prescribed by the district election officer and claimed that complaints had been received from several parts of the state.
According to the NDA leaders, enumeration forms were allegedly being filled out at community halls, mosques and the residences of BLOs instead of through household visits. They further claimed that WhatsApp groups had been created to coordinate the exercise, with people being encouraged to visit these locations to complete the SIR formalities.
"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 SIR is conducted to strengthen the integrity of the electoral rolls, but the manner in which BLOs are conducting the exercise is defeating the very purpose of the revision," they said.
The delegation contended that these alleged practices could result in an electoral roll that is "unsustainable and unreliable."
"No deviation is allowed from the procedures prescribed by the Election Commission of India," the letter said.
The NDA partners urged the Chief Electoral Officer to immediately order an inquiry into the allegations and ensure that all enumeration forms undergo mandatory door-to-door verification.
"Strict legal action must be initiated against all officials and political functionaries found responsible for these irregularities," they said.
In recent days, opposition parties have accused the Congress government in Karnataka of "facilitating the inclusion of illegal immigrants" through large-scale enrolment camps. They have also released videos purportedly showing mass enumeration camps being organised instead of the mandated house-to-house verification by BLOs. The opposition has further alleged that the state government is "misusing" officials and "diluting" the SIR process.
Responding to the allegations, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar dismissed the charges and maintained that the state government would not interfere in the electoral roll revision exercise. He argued that the opposition's criticism stemmed from the government's extensive public awareness campaign on the SIR 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 also rejected the opposition's allegations regarding illegal immigrants, saying, "Tell us where the Bangladeshi migrants are. If they are there, why didn't your government take action when it was in power? Let them criticise as much as they want. Criticism fades away, but good work remains," he added.
Emphasising the significance of the SIR exercise, Shivakumar said it was aimed at protecting citizens' democratic rights.
"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."
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