Karnataka Chief Minister Calls for End to Special Voter List Review Process

Bengaluru, September 24 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has called for the immediate termination of the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process for voter lists in Karnataka. Speaking on Thursday, he expressed concerns that this process could exclude genuine voters, particularly among the poor and marginalized communities.

In a statement, Shivakumar highlighted serious issues regarding the methods used for revising voter lists across different states. He emphasized, “There should not be a process in Karnataka that excludes genuine voters from the electoral process, especially the underprivileged.”

The Chief Minister underscored the importance of safeguarding every citizen’s right to vote as essential for democracy. He demanded the complete abolition of the current SIR process and advocated for a comprehensive re-evaluation of voter data.

Shivakumar stated, “The right to vote is a fundamental right.” He urged the Election Commission to protect this right and called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on ethical grounds.

During a media interaction in Bengaluru, he reiterated his demand for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. He noted that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have also raised their voices to defend voting rights.

The Chief Minister accused political entities of attempting to misuse citizens’ voting rights for their own agendas. He remarked, “Similar attempts have been made in West Bengal, Bihar, and several other states. Now, there is an effort to do the same in Karnataka and elsewhere. I had also requested the Election Commission for more time yesterday.”

Referring to reported disagreements among members of the Election Commission, Shivakumar claimed that the autonomy granted to the commission is being misused. He argued, “When most members do not agree on a decision, a unilateral decision cannot be imposed. It would be better for the Chief Election Commissioner to resign voluntarily on ethical grounds.”

He stressed that this issue transcends party lines, stating, “This matter is not about Congress or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) votes; it concerns the voting rights of every citizen. No one can suppress that right.”

Shivakumar raised concerns about the processes involving forms 6, 7, and 8 used for amending the voter list, questioning the current methodology. He alleged that it disproportionately affects the uneducated and marginalized sections of society.

“This is not merely a matter of opinion; it is a fundamental right. It is the voice of the common man,” he asserted. He called for a broader discussion on this issue in Parliament and other significant forums.

The Chief Minister also opposed any alleged pressure or intimidation of officials in various states under the guise of the Election Commission. He stated, “We want a new SIR process to be conducted. Everyone should have their rights recognized. A comprehensive review of the situation is necessary to ensure every voting right is upheld and voter data is re-examined.”