NDA Alleges Electoral Roll Lapses in Karnataka, Seeks Inquiry Into Revision Exercise

Karnataka's opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has formally complained to the state's chief electoral officer, alleging significant procedural violations during the ongoing revision of electoral rolls. The alliance claims that mandatory house-to-house verification has been neglected, with officials allegedly processing voter forms at centralized locations rather than conducting the required personal verification.

A delegation, including Union ministers HD Kumaraswamy, Pralhad Joshi, and Shobha Karandlaje, along with state opposition leaders, submitted a complaint to Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukumar. They are demanding an immediate inquiry, a fresh verification of all enumeration forms through door-to-door visits, and legal action against any officials or political figures found to be in violation of Election Commission procedures.

“

We write to express serious concern over the massive irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of the electoral rolls in the state of Karnataka. The officials who are supposed to conduct the SIR are showing zero regard for the approved process, thereby undermining the very spirit of democracy.

The complaint specifically targets Karnataka's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which began on June 30 and is set to continue until July 29. The NDA stated in their letter that officials are showing "zero regard for the approved process, thereby undermining the very spirit of democracy." They highlighted that Election Commission guidelines mandate Booth Level Officers to visit every household for personal verification, a process they claim is being bypassed.

“

Such a practice is a breach of the established SIR guidelines and raises serious concerns regarding the neutrality and secular character of the electoral process. The SIR is conducted to strengthen the integrity of the electoral rolls, but the manner in which BLOs are conducting the exercise is defeating the very purpose of the revision.

Instead of adhering to the prescribed procedures, the NDA alleges that forms are being filled at community halls, mosques, and even the residences of Booth Level Officers. They also pointed to WhatsApp groups allegedly being used to direct residents to these alternative locations. The alliance cited videos and media reports circulating on social media as evidence of these departures from the established process, arguing that such practices compromise the neutrality and integrity of the electoral system.

The NDA contends that failing to conduct mandatory house-to-house verification could lead to an "unsustainable and unreliable" electoral roll, emphasizing that "no deviation is allowed from the procedures prescribed by the Election Commission of India." The alliance has also previously accused the ruling Congress government of facilitating the inclusion of illegal immigrants through mass enrollment.

“

No deviation is allowed from the procedures prescribed by the Election Commission of India.