B K Hariprasad Urges Vigilance During Voter Roll Revision at Congress Awareness Convention in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President B K Hariprasad on Tuesday called upon Congress workers and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to actively participate in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stressing that protecting genuine voters is crucial for preserving democracy.

Speaking at the SIR Janajagruthi Convention held at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall in Mangaluru, Hariprasad urged party workers to closely monitor the voter verification process and ensure that eligible voters are not removed from the electoral rolls. He advised BLAs to coordinate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and conduct door to door verification to identify any discrepancies.

Hariprasad alleged that attempts were being made by the BJP and RSS to remove legitimate voters through the revision process. He warned that failure to remain alert during voter list verification could weaken democratic institutions and constitutional values. He also claimed that similar concerns had surfaced in other states during previous elections.

Drawing from his experience as an election in charge in West Bengal, Hariprasad said he had witnessed several questionable practices during electoral processes. He criticised the BJP’s claim of being a party with a distinct political culture and questioned its commitment to democratic principles.

Emphasising the importance of inclusive democracy, he said vulnerable sections of society, including tribal communities and minorities, could be adversely affected if voter mapping and verification are not carried out carefully.

Hariprasad highlighted India’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths, noting that people from different religions, languages, castes, and regions coexist peacefully. He also paid tribute to social reformer Kudmul Ranga Rao for his contributions to education and social justice.

Stating that the Congress party’s role extends beyond electoral politics, Hariprasad said the organisation has a responsibility to defend citizens’ rights and democratic institutions. He urged party workers to view the SIR campaign as a movement aimed at protecting democracy.

Responsibility to Safeguard Voters’ Rights

Former Legislative Council Chairman and State President of the Congress SIR Awareness Committee V R Sudarshan also addressed the gathering. He stressed that protecting the rights of genuine voters is fundamental to strengthening democracy.

Sudarshan said BLAs and party leaders must ensure that no eligible voter is excluded from the electoral roll due to procedural difficulties. He encouraged party workers to assist voters in submitting the required documents and completing verification formalities.

He further advised BLAs to maintain close coordination with BLOs, identify errors in voter lists, and report them to election officials and party leadership. According to him, only dedicated and responsible workers should be entrusted with the role of BLA.

The convention was attended by Minister U T Khader, former ministers Abhayachandra Jain and Mankala Vaidya, former MLA J R Lobo, Ivan D’Souza, Mithun Rai, B Ibrahim, Inayat Ali, Mamatha Gatti, and several Congress leaders and workers.

Hariprasad Opts for Simplicity During First Visit as KPCC Chief

The programme also stood out for Hariprasad’s simple approach during his first visit to Mangaluru after taking charge as KPCC President. He had requested party workers not to organise elaborate welcome ceremonies or felicitation events.

Instead, Hariprasad encouraged supporters to contribute to the party fund. Following his appeal, MLC Ivan D’Souza handed over a cheque of Rs 20,000 towards the party fund during the event.

In another departure from convention, Hariprasad chose not to sit on the stage and instead took his seat among party leaders and workers, reflecting a modest and people centric style of leadership.