Allegations Surface Over Missing Voters in Karnataka Amid Political Tensions
Karnatakas opposition leader claims millions of voters are missing, sparking controversy over illegal immigration and political accountability.
Bengaluru, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : In Bengaluru on November 12, Karnataka’s opposition leader R. Ashok raised serious concerns regarding the state’s voter registration process. During a press conference, he claimed that a recent “Special Intensive Review” (SIR) revealed that 6.5 million individuals have changed their residence, while 1.9 million voters are unaccounted for in the state.
Ashok suggested that these numbers indicate the presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the country. He further alleged that these immigrants have infiltrated the Congress party, drawing a parallel to the mixing of ethanol with petrol. “Just as ethanol is mixed with petrol, Bangladeshis have merged into the Congress party,” he asserted.
He cited an instance where police had expelled around 300 Bangladeshi nationals at a cost of 6.5 million rupees. Ashok also referenced the recent arrest of five Pakistani nationals in the outskirts of Bengaluru, claiming that there are approximately 30 million Bangladeshis and Pakistanis residing in India.
The opposition leader stated that around 30 million people nationwide are missing from official records. He pointed to a recent incident at Kogilu Cross in Bengaluru, where he claimed that only five residents were present among those reported, suggesting a possible link to Bangladeshi nationals.
Ashok criticized Congress for allegedly issuing voter ID cards to these individuals. He questioned the party’s integrity, especially in light of their criticism of the SIR process, which he noted has been conducted nine times, including seven instances during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
Turning to the controversial Bengaluru Metro project, Ashok challenged the Congress government to prove its claim that Karnataka contributed 84% of the funding. He clarified that both the state and central governments each held a 20% stake, with the remainder financed through loans guaranteed by the central government. He accused the state of failing to repay its share of the Metro’s debt.
“If 84% of the investment comes from the state, show us where it is reflected in the budget,” he demanded. He also questioned why the central government is blamed whenever Metro ticket prices rise, despite the state claiming a significant financial role.
Ashok commented on the controversy surrounding the Prime Minister’s inauguration of the Metro, suggesting that if Karnataka’s contribution was indeed substantial, Congress leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi should have been invited instead.
Clarifying the protocol for the Prime Minister’s visit, Ashok explained that the Chief Minister was invited to ensure adherence to security measures. He noted that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar often boasts about the Prime Minister referring to him as ‘DK.’
In addition to these political issues, Ashok criticized the state government for mishandling welfare and agricultural concerns. He accused the administration of diverting rice meant for public distribution to foreign markets, placing undue burdens on farmers. He expressed frustration over the lack of drought relief reaching farmers and the unfulfilled promise of 5,000 crore rupees for women’s welfare under government commitments.
Ashok concluded by asserting that the Congress government is engaging in low-level politics by ignoring these pressing issues. He urged the government to investigate the alleged diversion of rice and to raise the matter with the central government.
