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NDA Accuses Karnataka Government of Interfering in SIR Process
A group of leaders from the BJP and JD(S) complained about how voter lists are being checked in Karnataka.
They said people who objected to names on the lists using Form-7 were being targeted with police cases.
The leaders said people are allowed to file these objections under election rules, and that officials should check them fairly.
They named several places where they said cases had been filed.
They also questioned a state circular about possible action against people involved in the process.
The delegation asked election officials and police to protect people filing objections.
Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumar said he would ask the Election Commission for instructions.
These claims were made by the delegation and were not independently established in the report.
A BJP-JD(S) delegation accused Karnataka’s Congress government of interfering in the electoral-roll Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
The leaders alleged police were registering criminal cases against people, including BJP supporters, who filed Form-7 objections.
They told Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumar that Form-7 objections are a statutory right and may be filed in bulk.
The delegation cited alleged FIRs in Bhalki, Belagavi, Bengaluru, Ballari and Mysuru, and challenged the legal basis for an October 1 circular.
It asked election officials and police leadership to protect objectors and ensure the revision proceeds independently; the CEO said he would seek Election Commission instructions.
- Who
- A BJP and JD(S) delegation, including H D Kumaraswamy, Shobha Karandlaje and Basavaraj Bommai, made the allegations.
- What
- The delegation accused the Karnataka government of interfering in the SIR electoral-roll process and intimidating Form-7 objectors through police cases.
- Where
- Karnataka; the delegation met Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumar in Bengaluru.
- When
- The report is dated October 5; the delegation also questioned a circular issued on October 1.
- Why
- The delegation said police cases and government pressure could deter people from exercising their right to file objections and undermine an independent SIR.
NDA delegation
Karnataka government
Police cases against Form-7 objectors
NDA delegation
The delegation alleged that the state police were registering unwarranted criminal cases against people who filed objections, particularly BJP workers and sympathisers.
Karnataka government
The report does not include a response from the Karnataka government to these allegations.
State action and election oversight
NDA delegation
The delegation argued that state action and an October 1 circular could interfere with the Election Commission’s work and sought clarification on the legal basis for action.
Karnataka government
The report does not provide the government's explanation for the circular or its position on the delegation's claims.
Key facts
- Process
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- Form-7
- Used to object to a proposed inclusion or deletion of a name in an electoral roll.
- Delegation
- BJP and JD(S) leaders, including Union Ministers H D Kumaraswamy and Shobha Karandlaje and MP Basavaraj Bommai.
- Recipient
- Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumar
- Places named for alleged FIRs
- Bhalki, Market Area in Belagavi, Vyalikaval in Bengaluru, Ballari and Narasimharaja in Mysuru
- Rules cited
- Registration of Electors Rules, 1960; the delegation cited Rule 13(2) on filing Form-7 objections.
- CEO response
- He would seek instructions from the Election Commission and act accordingly.
Quotes
Basavaraj Bommai
BJP MP and former Karnataka chief minister who spoke to reporters after the delegation’s meeting.
“Without the election commission’s complaint, no FIR can be filed regarding the election process, as per law. Election Commission must file a complaint as per Representation of the People Act in such cases, but under BNS, cases are being registered every day haphazardly based on private complaints”
theprint.in
“CM Shivakumar is anxious that his dream for 2028 will be shattered if the SIR is completed as per law and hence is indulging in such high drama. Commission should clarify what is as per law.”
theprint.in
NDA delegation
BJP and JD(S) leaders who submitted a complaint to Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer.
“There are no restrictions on the number of Form-7 applications that may be submitted to the ERO/AERO”
theprint.in
Sources
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