BENGALURU:
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday alleged that a conspiracy was under way to delete a large number of eligible voters from the electoral rolls through bulk applications under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Shivakumar alleged that around 45 lakh voters had received notices over discrepancies and claimed that attempts were being made to submit multiple Form 7 applications seeking deletion of names from the electoral rolls.
He accused BJP and JD(S) workers of allegedly submitting applications in large numbers and claimed that vulnerable sections, including minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and backward communities, were being targeted. These allegations were made by Shivakumar at a press conference and have not been established as fact.
Calling for an investigation, the Chief Minister demanded that the Election Commission register FIRs and initiate criminal action against those responsible for any illegal attempts to delete voters.
Shivakumar also said he and his Cabinet colleagues would remain at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer until an inquiry was ordered. Later, he met Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumar and submitted a memorandum seeking an immediate investigation.
He further alleged that large numbers of Form 7 applications had been submitted in some constituencies and claimed that party workers had access to voter details. He demanded that the Election Commission examine the applications and take action wherever violations were established.
The Chief Minister also questioned the conduct of the SIR exercise and sought action over what he described as electoral offences. The allegations are subject to verification by the election authorities.