Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Karnataka CEO Says No Voter Names Deleted So Far
Karnataka’s chief election officer says nobody’s name has been removed from the voter list so far.
This follows claims that some voters were being unfairly targeted for removal.
The officer says filing an objection does not automatically remove anyone.
Election officials must contact both the person making the objection and the voter.
They must hold a hearing and check documents before deciding.
Karnataka has received 91,278 forms used to object to a name being included or removed.
The officer says he is checking reports that many forms were submitted at once.
A drive to help people who are not yet registered is planned after October 27.
Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar said no voter names have been deleted so far following objections.
The clarification came amid Congress allegations that BJP leaders targeted selected voters, including Muslims, for removal from electoral rolls.
Anbukumar said Electoral Registration Officers must notify both the objector and the voter, hold a hearing, verify documents, and then decide.
The CEO said Karnataka received 91,278 Form-7 objections and that he is gathering details about claims of bulk submissions.
As of October 5, Karnataka had 4,50,29,916 electors; a special enrolment drive is scheduled to begin after October 27.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar, amid allegations by the Congress government involving BJP leaders.
- What
- Anbukumar clarified that no voter names have been deleted so far and outlined the required review process for objections.
- When
- The clarification was made on Monday; the elector figures were stated as of October 5, and an enrolment drive is planned after October 27.
- Where
- Karnataka, with the press conference held in Bengaluru.
- Why
- The clarification followed allegations that selected voters, including Muslims, were targeted for removal from electoral rolls.
Congress allegations
Election official's response
Alleged targeting of voters
Congress allegations
The Congress government alleged that selected voters, including Muslims, were targeted for removal in several constituencies and that forged, pre-printed Form-7 objections had been distributed.
Election official's response
Anbukumar said no names had been deleted and that objections must be investigated by Electoral Registration Officers before any decision.
Bulk Form-7 submissions
Congress allegations
Congress leaders raised concerns about bulk submissions intended to remove selected voters.
Election official's response
Anbukumar said 91,278 Form-7 forms had been received and that he was gathering details from the ground; he described the form as one for objecting to a proposed inclusion or deletion.
- Chief Electoral Officer
- V. Anbukumar
- Names deleted so far
- None, according to Anbukumar
- Form-7 objections received
- 91,278
- Electors as of October 5
- 4,50,29,916
- Male electors
- 2,23,41,784
- Female electors
- 2,26,85,269
- Transgender electors
- 2,863
- Planned enrolment drive
- To begin after October 27