Karnataka CM Stages Sit In Outside CEO Office Demanding FIR Over Alleged Electoral Fraud in SIR
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah leads protest alongside cabinet colleagues after Chief Electoral Officer refuses to register an FIR over mass voter exclusions.
In an unprecedented political move, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah staged a night long sit in demonstration outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office at the Vikas Souda in Bengaluru, demanding immediate police registration of an FIR over alleged voter roll manipulation under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and senior cabinet ministers, the Chief Minister submitted a formal complaint alleging systemic fraud, including the illegal deletion of thousands of legitimate voters and unauthorized modifications to voter lists in key constituencies across the state.
The protest intensified after electoral authorities declined to lodge a formal criminal case against designated officials involved in the revision exercise, citing administrative protocols. Siddaramaiah declared that the demonstration would continue until law enforcement agencies register an FIR and initiate an independent investigation into the alleged electoral irregularities.
Opposition leaders criticized the protest as an attempt to pressure constitutional institutions, while ruling party leaders maintained that safeguarding democratic integrity and protecting citizens’ fundamental right to vote made public action necessary.