BJP Alleges Karnataka SIR Irregularities, Seeks Investigation; DK Shivakumar Responds

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, the Janata Dal (Secular), on Monday alleged large-scale irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka and sought an inquiry by the state's Chief Electoral Officer. The opposition parties claimed that officials conducting the voter list revision had failed to follow prescribed procedures, raising concerns over the integrity of the exercise ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.

In a joint representation submitted to the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, senior BJP and JD(S) leaders alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) appointed for the revision were not carrying out the mandatory door-to-door verification of voters. The letter was signed by Union ministers H. D. Kumaraswamy, Pralhad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje, along with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, former Deputy Chief Minister R. Ashwath Narayan and former Chief Minister D. V. Sadananda Gowda.

According to the opposition leaders, enumeration forms were allegedly being filled at community halls, mosques and even at the residences of Booth Level Officers instead of through physical household visits. They argued that this practice violated the Election Commission's prescribed guidelines for the Special Intensive Revision. Addressing reporters, Pralhad Joshi claimed the entire verification process was being compromised and alleged that many BLOs themselves were confused about the procedures they were expected to follow. He asserted that conducting the exercise from fixed locations instead of visiting individual homes undermined the credibility of the voter verification process.

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Responding to the allegations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar dismissed the BJP's claims as baseless and politically motivated. Shivakumar maintained that the Congress-led state government had no role in the revision of electoral rolls, emphasising that the process falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission. He accused the BJP of attempting to create unnecessary controversy over an independent constitutional exercise and rejected allegations of government interference.

The Special Intensive Revision is undertaken periodically by the Election Commission to update electoral rolls by verifying voter details, adding eligible new voters and removing ineligible or duplicate entries. The exercise is aimed at ensuring that voter lists remain accurate ahead of future elections. Since the Election Commission functions as an independent constitutional authority, the preparation and revision of electoral rolls are carried out by its officials in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.

The latest exchange marks another flashpoint between the ruling Congress government and the BJP-JD(S) opposition in Karnataka, where political rivalry has remained intense since the 2023 Assembly elections. While the opposition has demanded a detailed inquiry into the alleged procedural lapses and corrective measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral rolls, the state government has denied any involvement in the process and accused the BJP of fabricating allegations for political gain. The Election Commission has not yet publicly responded to the complaint, and it remains to be seen whether the poll body will order an inquiry into the allegations raised by the opposition.

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