Shivakumar rejects charge of govt interference in SIR, accuses Oppn of 'indulging in politics'

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has strongly refuted allegations from opposition parties, the BJP and JD(S), claiming his government is interfering with the ongoing Summary of Electoral Rolls (SIR) process in the state. Shivakumar accused the opposition of engaging in political maneuvering over the issue.

“

None from my government is interfering in the SIR process, and the officers involved are functioning under the command of the EC.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar asserted that no government officials are interfering with the SIR process. He emphasized that the officers involved are operating under the direct command and guidance of the Election Commission of India (ECI). "Let the ECI probe the allegations," he challenged, responding to a formal complaint submitted by NDA leaders to the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer earlier in the day. The opposition delegation alleged "massive irregularities" and demanded an immediate inquiry and mandatory door-to-door re-verification of all enumeration forms.

“

Let the EC probe the allegations.

Shivakumar stated that while his party, the Congress, has had its own differences with the ECI regarding the SIR process and has even approached the court on timeline issues, the state government is cooperating to protect citizens' voting rights. "With the intention of protecting everyone's voting rights, our government has joined hands with the EC to conduct the process in the state," he explained. He added that the government is actively creating awareness among people about the SIR process, which commenced on June 30 and continues until July 29.

“

But, with the intention of protecting everyone's voting rights, our government has joined hands with the EC to conduct the process in the state.

The opposition parties have accused the Congress government of facilitating the inclusion of illegal immigrants through mass enrollment camps, releasing videos they claim show such camps instead of the mandated house-to-house visits. They also allege misuse of officers and dilution of the SIR process. Shivakumar dismissed these concerns, suggesting the opposition is worried because the government is actively informing the public, and stated that it is up to the ECI to decide on the opposition's complaint.

“

We have called on the people to protect their voting rights as only the voting right can protect their livelihood. Right to Vote is Right to Live. We are creating awareness.