Bengaluru, September 1: The President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), B.K. Hariprasad, accused the BJP on Tuesday of politicizing the “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR) of the voter list. He emphasized that the Congress party would closely monitor this process to ensure that eligible voters’ names are not removed from the voter list.
Addressing a press conference at the KPCC office, Hariprasad mentioned that the party had engaged with candidates who contested and lost in the 2023 assembly elections to gather detailed information about the SIR process and ongoing activities in their respective constituencies.
He stated, “We have called upon those candidates who lost in the 2023 assembly elections to discuss the SIR. They provided comprehensive insights into the issues in their constituencies. We also discussed what needs to be done for drought relief in Kalyana Karnataka. Through this meeting, we aim to draw the government’s attention to these issues.”
Hariprasad noted that while many Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were cooperating with the process, there were instances where some BLOs were not providing assistance.
He expressed concern over the significant number of voters, primarily from marginalized communities, whose names were removed from the voter list. “We will meet with the respective district election officers to discuss this matter,” he added.
When asked if he was satisfied with the SIR process so far, Hariprasad clarified that the Congress is not against this exercise.
“Our concern is that eligible voters’ names should not be removed from the voter list. The right to vote is a fundamental right,” he stated. He urged eligible voters to ensure they do not lose their voting rights and mentioned that Congress is campaigning in constituencies where it has no elected representatives.
Hariprasad affirmed, “We are not against the SIR, but we advocate for the process to be conducted properly. Democracy hinges on the voter list, and our fight is to protect it.”
He urged the Election Commission to provide application forms and ample opportunities every Saturday and Sunday for eligible voters to raise objections and safeguard their voting rights.
Turning to the BJP, Hariprasad launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, accusing him of corruption. He claimed, “If there is a progenitor of corruption in this country, it is Yediyurappa.”
He also criticized the BJP-JD(S) alliance, alleging that after failing to achieve anything during their tenure, leaders are now resorting to foot marches. He quipped, “The coming together of the BJP and JD(S) is actually a good thing. Many factions should remain.”
Former MLC Narayanaswamy and former Mayor Ramachandrapa were present at the press conference.
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