Bengaluru, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka’s Home Minister Priyank Kharge has leveled serious accusations against the central government, claiming it is attempting to destabilize the Congress-led administration in the state. Speaking on Thursday in Bengaluru, Kharge alleged that agencies such as the CBI, Income Tax Department, and Enforcement Directorate are being misused for this purpose. He also accused the central government of planning sting operations, stating that such tactics are part of the BJP’s standard operating procedures.
When asked about the fears among Congress leaders, legislators, and ministers regarding potential sting operations, Kharge asserted that the central government is eager to remove the Karnataka government due to the perceived ineffectiveness of the BJP leadership in the state.
Concerns about possible sting operations targeting state ministers arose during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The Chief Minister expressed worries that BJP and JD(S) ministers could be targeted in such operations.
Kharge further claimed that the BJP has employed similar strategies in other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, and Goa. He emphasized that neither he nor his colleagues are guilty of any wrongdoing or involved in such activities.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the alleged misuse of SIR and Form-7 applications, Kharge stated that the demand for accountability extends beyond the Congress party and resonates with the entire populace. He accused BJP leaders of submitting fraudulent Form-7 applications to remove the names of living individuals from the voter list, asserting that some have contacted officials to confirm their living status and are seeking legal action against the offenders.
Kharge also referenced reports about a displacement notice served to BJP’s National General Secretary (Organization) B.L. Santosh, noting that the SIR exercise has raised concerns among political leaders and representatives. He argued that this process is being utilized to protect the ruling party at the center and called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Kharge questioned why Kumar has not addressed the media regarding the electoral revision process and why he has not responded to inquiries about the SIR-related issues. He pointed out that Kumar had previously held a press conference criticizing the Congress and should now clarify matters related to the SIR.
He criticized the amendment process as exclusionary, questioning how pre-printed Form-7 applications containing voters’ names, EPIC numbers, addresses, and reasons for proposed deletions were being prepared nationwide. Kharge noted that applicants submitting Form-7 must declare the information as true, warning that false declarations could lead to a year in prison or fines. He demanded accountability for those allegedly providing incorrect information to remove names from the voter list.
In response to repeated allegations from the BJP that Congress is spreading misinformation, Kharge questioned why the party is defending the Election Commission instead of allowing it to respond directly.
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