Karnataka CM Calls SIR a ‘Big Fraud’, Alleges Attempt to Delete 45 Lakh Voters
D.K. Shivakumar alleges bulk Form 7 filings targeted minority, Dalit and ST voters and demands criminal investigation
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday, October 1, raised serious allegations over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming that a coordinated attempt was being made to remove large numbers of eligible voters through bulk submissions of Form 7.
Shivakumar described the alleged exercise as a “big fraud” and claimed that voters belonging to minority, Dalit, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and backward class communities were being targeted. He alleged that more than 45 lakh voters were facing discrepancies or possible deletion through the process.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister alleged that pre printed Form 7 applications containing voters’ names, addresses and EPIC numbers had been submitted in large numbers in several constituencies. He claimed that many of the applications were filed on September 22, 23 and 24.
Shivakumar specifically referred to Vijayapura, where he claimed that more than 14,000 Form 7 applications had been submitted. He also cited alleged bulk submissions in Bhalki, Belagavi, Mysuru, Mudigere and Bengaluru.
He alleged that some individuals had submitted dozens or even hundreds of applications and questioned how they obtained detailed voter information, including EPIC numbers and addresses.
The Chief Minister accused BJP and JD(S) leaders and workers of involvement in the alleged exercise and demanded an immediate criminal investigation into the matter. These allegations have been made by Shivakumar and have not been established by a judicial or Election Commission finding.
Shivakumar also urged the Election Commission to register FIRs over what he described as electoral offences and said he would submit documents and other material collected by his government and party to the Chief Electoral Officer.
Following the press conference, Shivakumar and members of his Cabinet visited the office of Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukkumar and submitted a memorandum seeking an immediate inquiry.
The Chief Minister also appealed to Booth Level Agents, political workers and voters to report suspected misuse of Form 7. He urged officials including Deputy Commissioners, Electoral Registration Officers and Tahsildars to examine complaints of irregularities.
The controversy comes amid wider political disagreements over the SIR process in Karnataka. The Election Commission has established procedures for claims and objections during electoral roll revision, while allegations concerning improper Form 7 submissions are being raised by political parties and other groups.
Shivakumar said protecting the voting rights of eligible citizens was the responsibility of the government and called for action against anyone found to have submitted false or fraudulent applications.