Bengaluru, October 1 (Daily Kiran) : Political tensions are escalating in Karnataka regarding allegations of misuse of voter lists and Form-7. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has accused the BJP and RSS of using Form-7 to remove names of Muslim, Dalit, and tribal voters. In response, opposition leader Chaluvarayaswamy has dismissed these claims as mere “drama” by Congress, asserting that Form-7 is a standard part of the electoral process and that no voter’s name can be removed immediately based on an application.
Chaluvarayaswamy stated in an interview that this situation is not a conspiracy but rather a performance orchestrated by Congress. He accused the party of politically targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah under the guise of attacking the Election Commission. He emphasized that the right to fill out Form-7 is governed by established procedures, and there are no separate rules for political parties. The process for both Congress and BJP is the same, whether it involves Form-6 or Form-7.
He pointed out that a voter’s declaration of citizenship is crucial. If any discrepancies are found in an application, there are provisions for action. He also mentioned allegations regarding the inclusion of Bangladeshi nationals in the voter list, asserting that if an individual is not an Indian citizen, the process includes removing them from the voter list. However, he accused Congress of politicizing this issue, claiming it is the reason for their objections.
When asked about reports that BJP workers were allegedly instructed to submit multiple names on printed forms for investigation and removal, Chaluvarayaswamy clarified that simply filing Form-7 does not lead to immediate removal of a voter’s name. Each application undergoes scrutiny, and necessary documents may be requested from the applicant. Only after the process is complete can it be determined whether a name will remain on the list or be removed. If the voter provides the required documentation, there should be no reason for removal.
He insisted that this is strictly an administrative process and that creating a significant political controversy over it is unnecessary. Reviews of the voter list occur regularly, and there cannot be different arrangements for Congress supporters versus BJP supporters. He asserted that Congress’s real target is not just the Election Commission; they are also aiming at the BJP, RSS, and the Prime Minister.
Chaluvarayaswamy stated that if Congress has substantial allegations against the central government regarding corruption or other issues, they should raise those concerns. However, he deemed the uproar over the voter list process inappropriate, labeling it a political issue that will not yield any real solutions.
On the alleged KPPSC scam, he noted that as the investigation progresses, facts related to the alleged irregularities are coming to light. Serious allegations, including changes to OMR sheets and scores, have emerged, warranting a thorough investigation into the involvement of various individuals, including some ministers.
He concluded by stating that anyone found guilty in the investigation should face consequences, and if anyone’s involvement is proven, they should be held accountable, potentially facing jail time.
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