Bengaluru, October 1 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has called on Congress booth-level agents, party leaders, and workers to report any suspicious activities regarding the voter list during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He raised concerns about numerous Form 7 applications being submitted to remove names from the voter rolls.
In a series of videos shared on social media, Shivakumar urged party representatives to collaborate with booth-level officers (BLOs) to investigate whether objections have been raised against voters in their constituencies and polling booths.
The Chief Minister accused certain leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of submitting a large number of Form 7 applications aimed at disenfranchising voters, particularly targeting minorities, backward classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Shivakumar stated that he has received reports from regions including Belagavi, Bhalki, Mudigere, and Mysuru, which also encompass constituencies represented by Congress lawmakers. He specifically mentioned the alleged misuse of Form 7 in the Aland constituency, asserting that such tactics are being employed to challenge Congress electorally.
He instructed party leaders to gather precise data on the number of applications submitted and the affected constituencies and polling booths. He requested that this information be sent to his office and email address before Thursday afternoon.
The Chief Minister has already sought information regarding these applications and the alleged irregularities from police officials, deputy commissioners, and the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka. He emphasized that stringent action would be taken to ensure that eligible voters are not deprived of their voting rights.
Shivakumar stressed the importance of safeguarding the right to vote, irrespective of political affiliations, religion, or social background. He asserted that every legitimate voter’s name should remain on the voter list.
Form 7 is utilized to file claims or objections for the removal of names from the voter list, and such applications are scrutinized under electoral regulations. The controversy in Karnataka revolves around the accusation that a significant number of applications are being submitted to eliminate eligible voters from the rolls.
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