1 hr ago
Shivakumar Leaves Form 7 Voter Deletion Probe to Election Commission
Form 7 applications can be used to ask for names to be removed from voter lists.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the Election Commission would look into a dispute over many such applications.
He said the state government would not run a separate investigation.
Election officials have been told not to remove anyone right away and to check each application carefully.
Shivakumar said it is important that every eligible voter stays on the list.
He alleged that some BJP workers and leaders submitted applications to remove people, including poor people.
BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa said his party would protest across the state if its workers were punished or harassed.
The articles do not report that the Commission has completed its examination.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the Election Commission would examine bulk Form 7 applications seeking voter deletions.
He said the state government would not conduct a separate probe through its Special Investigation Team.
Shivakumar said election officials were instructed not to delete voters immediately and to assess each application individually.
He alleged that some BJP workers and leaders had submitted applications seeking to remove people, including poor voters, from the rolls.
B.S. Yediyurappa warned of statewide protests if BJP workers faced legal action or harassment over the applications.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, the Election Commission, and BJP leaders including B.S. Yediyurappa.
- What
- The Election Commission is to examine bulk Form 7 applications seeking voter-name deletions; the state government will not conduct a separate probe.
- Where
- Periyapatna, Mysuru district, Karnataka.
- When
- Shivakumar made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Periyapatna helipad; no date is provided.
- Why
- The applications have raised concerns about removal of eligible voters from electoral rolls.
Shivakumar and Election Commission
BJP
Handling the Form 7 applications
Shivakumar and Election Commission
Shivakumar said the EC should examine the applications, and that each must be assessed individually before any voter is removed.
BJP
BJP leaders sought assurance that cases concerning the objections would be handled strictly in accordance with the law.
Possible action against party workers
Shivakumar and Election Commission
Shivakumar said the EC would act on the applications and that the government would decide its next steps after observing the proceedings.
BJP
Yediyurappa said BJP workers must not be arrested, harassed, or assaulted, and threatened statewide protests if action continued.
Key facts
- Applications at issue
- Bulk Form 7 applications seeking deletion of names from electoral rolls.
- Investigation
- Shivakumar said the state government would not conduct a separate probe through its SIT.
- Election officials' instruction
- Do not delete voters immediately; examine each application individually.
- Election Commission inquiry
- The EC is trying to establish where the applications were printed and how they reached the BJP, according to Shivakumar.
- BJP response
- Yediyurappa warned of statewide protests if party workers faced legal action or harassment.
- Police memorandum
- BJP leaders asked police chief M.A. Saleem for cases related to the objections to be handled strictly according to law.
Quotes
B.S. Yediyurappa
BJP leader and former Karnataka chief minister
“We will decide our next course of action after watching the EC proceedings. EC officials have informed us that they will act on the Form 7 applications. Instructions have been issued to all election officials not to delete any voter immediately, but to examine every application individually. This is a welcome development”
telegraphindia.com
“We will not allow any legal action to be taken against BJP workers. Under no circumstances can they arrest, harass, or assault our party workers. If such action continues, a state-wide protest will be held”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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