Karnataka Voter Roll Row: Shivakumar, Vijayendra Clash Over 'Deletion Plot'
Karnataka Voter Roll Row: Shivakumar, Vijayendra Clash Over 'Deletion Plot'
Political storm in Karnataka! CM Shivakumar and BJP's Vijayendra trade barbs over alleged voter deletion. Is it a conspiracy or legitimate process? Get the full story on the unfolding electoral controversy.
A significant political controversy has erupted in Karnataka concerning the state's electoral rolls, with top leaders from both the Congress and BJP trading serious allegations. The dispute centers around the use of Form 7 applications, which are used to object to or request the deletion of names from voter lists.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has accused the BJP of orchestrating a widespread conspiracy to delete the names of 5 to 6 million voters, specifically targeting minority, Dalit, and Backward Class communities. He claims this is part of a larger strategy to influence elections.
However, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling Shivakumar's protest at the Chief Electoral Officer's office as a “sham drama.” Vijayendra argues that Form 7 is a legitimate mechanism provided by the Election Commission to remove deceased voters, duplicate entries, or ineligible names.
He pointed out that approximately 24,000 to 25,000 such applications have been submitted by various political parties, including Congress booth-level agents, and social groups, not just the BJP.
Vijayendra, in turn, accused the Congress of facilitating illegal additions to voter lists, particularly in areas with high concentrations of minorities. He cited instances where individuals from other constituencies and states were found to be enrolled, and some names appeared in multiple places.
He specifically mentioned irregularities in segments like Shantinagar, Shivajinagar, Kalaburagi South, and parts of Dakshina Kannada.
The controversy has escalated with the registration of five First Information Reports (FIRs) across Karnataka. These FIRs are linked to the bulk submission of Form 7 applications, reportedly targeting voters predominantly from minority and Dalit communities.
One notable case involves a BJP leader who was booked for an alleged attempt to delete the names of 198 “Muslim voters.” In Kodagu, specifically, pre-filled Form 7 applications against Muslim voters were reportedly traced back to a 'party office.'
Shivakumar responded sarcastically to Vijayendra's defense of Form 7, stating he was “very happy” and that the BJP's actions would only further expose their “strategy, conspiracy and plans.” He challenged Vijayendra to prove his claims, saying he was ready to take the challenge to its “logical conclusion.”
The Election Commission has taken note of the situation.
It has ordered legal action over false Form 7 claims and has also initiated a special drive to add “left-out” and first-time voters after the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) directed to visit homes.
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