1 hr ago
Karnataka CEO Orders Action Over False Form-7 Claims
Karnataka is checking its list of voters in a process called a Special Intensive Revision.
Form 7 can be used to ask officials to remove a person’s name or object to their inclusion.
Officials received reports that many Form 7 applications were submitted together and that some might not be genuine.
Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer ordered election officers to investigate such applications.
People who knowingly make false statements may face legal action.
The investigation must happen before any action is taken.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said BJP leaders were trying to remove eligible voters.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka said the government was putting political pressure on election officials.
Karnataka CEO V. Anbukumar directed EROs to act against knowingly false voter-roll declarations.
The directive followed allegations that bulk Form 7 applications were being filed and were not genuine.
Any action must follow an inquiry under Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
The applications were filed during Karnataka’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar alleged misuse by BJP leaders, while R. Ashoka accused Congress leaders of pressuring election officials.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar, Electoral Registration Officers, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Opposition Leader R. Ashoka are the principal figures mentioned.
- What
- The CEO directed EROs to investigate and take legal action against applicants who knowingly make false declarations in electoral-roll forms.
- Where
- The matter concerns Karnataka, with the protest and memorandum submitted at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Bengaluru.
- When
- The directive was issued on Thursday amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of Karnataka’s electoral rolls.
- Why
- The directive followed allegations that bulk, possibly false Form 7 applications were being used to seek deletion of eligible voters’ names.
Government Allegations
Opposition Objections
Alleged voter deletions
Government Allegations
D.K. Shivakumar alleged that a group of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders was misusing Form 7 to delete selected eligible voters during the revision process.
Opposition Objections
R. Ashoka questioned the Chief Minister’s authority to direct the Election Commission and said complaints should be taken to court.
Political pressure on officials
Government Allegations
Shivakumar demanded a criminal case and a serious investigation into the alleged conspiracy involving pre-printed and forged Form 7 applications.
Opposition Objections
Ashoka accused Congress leaders of applying political pressure to election officials and said the Election Commission should act through proper legal procedures.
Key facts
- Chief Electoral Officer
- V. Anbukumar issued the direction to Electoral Registration Officers.
- Relevant forms
- The directive covers Forms 6, 6A, 7 and 8.
- Form 7 purpose
- Form 7 is used to seek deletion of names or object to names being included in electoral rolls.
- Legal provision
- Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, was cited.
- Required inquiry
- Action must be preceded by an inquiry under Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
- Political protest
- D.K. Shivakumar and Cabinet members protested at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Bengaluru.
Quotes
V. Anbukumar
Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer
“Congress leaders have brought political pressure on election officials. If there is a problem, they should approach the Court. If the documents are in order, the Court will direct the Election Commission.”
deccanchronicle.com
“It has come to the notice of this office that there are instances of filing bulk applications in Form 7 before EROs and it has been alleged that such forms are not genuine.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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