1 hr ago
Karnataka CM Seeks Probe Into Alleged Voter Deletion Plot
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar says someone may be trying to remove real voters from voter lists.
He says many Form 7 applications were submitted in large groups.
Form 7 is used to object to or request deletion of a voter’s name.
Some applications reportedly had voter information already printed on them.
Shivakumar accused BJP and Janata Dal leaders of being involved.
He said minorities, Dalits and tribal voters could be especially affected.
He gave different estimates, including more than 45 lakh voters with discrepancies and 15 to 16 lakh allegedly targeted voters.
He asked election officials to investigate and protect every eligible voter.
The reports describe these as allegations, and they do not include a response from the accused parties.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar alleged a conspiracy to remove eligible voters through bulk Form 7 applications during the ongoing SIR.
He claimed more than 45 lakh voters faced electoral-roll discrepancies, while separately alleging a plot targeting 15 to 16 lakh genuine voters.
Shivakumar said pre-printed applications containing voter names, addresses and EPIC numbers were submitted across multiple constituencies.
He accused BJP and Janata Dal leaders of targeting minorities, Dalits, Scheduled Tribes and other vulnerable voters, allegations not independently established in the reports.
Shivakumar submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer and demanded an inquiry, criminal investigation and immediate action by election authorities.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar made the allegations and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer.
- What
- He sought an investigation into alleged bulk submission of pre-printed Form 7 applications to delete voters from electoral rolls.
- Where
- Karnataka, including constituencies in Vijayapura, Bhalki, Belagavi, Mysuru, Mudigere and Bengaluru.
- When
- Thursday, October 1, during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision.
- Why
- Shivakumar said the applications could disenfranchise eligible voters and alleged that vulnerable communities were being targeted.
Key facts
- Alleged discrepancies
- More than 45 lakh voters, according to Shivakumar.
- Alleged target
- An estimated 15 to 16 lakh genuine voters, according to a separate claim by Shivakumar.
- SIR figures
- Nearly one crore voters had reportedly been removed from the draft roll, and 43 lakh notices were issued during the notice phase.
- Form 7 activity
- Bulk applications were allegedly filed between September 22 and 24 in several constituencies.
- Examples cited
- Applications included claims of individuals filing 84, 92, 241 and 423 forms.
- Memorandum
- Shivakumar submitted a memorandum demanding a comprehensive inquiry by election authorities.
- Reported legal action
- FIRs were reportedly registered in Belagavi, Bhalki, Mysuru and other places over alleged electoral-roll irregularities.
Quotes
D K Shivakumar
Karnataka Chief Minister who made the allegations at a press conference
“It is the duty of the Election Commission, the State Election Commission, to file an immediate FIR. There shall be an FIR on the vote theft, on the electoral offence, on the criminality of this”
theprint.in
“This is happening in more than 70 per cent of the polling booths. Various BJP leaders are submitting Form 7s with voter details printed in advance”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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