The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Congress government of allowing Bangladeshi residents to be included in the state’s electoral rolls through the Special Intensive Revision exercise. BJP leader R. Ashoka claimed that Booth Level Officers were distributing forms on streets instead of conducting door-to-door verification, alleging a conspiracy to register Bangladeshi nationals as voters. Ashoka stated that the Election Commission’s aim for national security was being compromised by the alleged actions of the Congress government.
Ashoka mentioned an estimated 20 lakh Bangladeshi residents in Karnataka, asserting that their names were missing from the 2002 electoral rolls. He criticized the voter enrolment drives being conducted openly near Haj Bhavans and mosques instead of through proper verification processes. The BJP leader emphasized that the alleged irregularities were aimed at including Bangladeshi residents in voter lists for political gain.
Referring to specific areas like Mahadevapura and Byatarayanapura, Ashoka accused groups of carrying out the revision process outside mosques. He announced plans to write to the Central Election Commission and the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, urging for legal action against those responsible for the activities.
Ashoka also raised concerns about the state government’s response to the drought situation, criticizing ministers for not visiting affected regions despite dwindling reservoir levels. He highlighted discrepancies in the Congress’s stance on the Special Intensive Revision exercise, alleging contradictory positions and motives behind the government’s actions.
