Karnataka BJP President, B.Y. Vijayendra, criticized the Karnataka government for allegedly misusing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He claimed that the government was conducting the exercise from mosques instead of following the Election Commission’s procedures. Vijayendra expressed concerns that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were being utilized inappropriately during the SIR process, accusing the state government of bias against Hindus.
Vijayendra highlighted instances in Sagar town where BLOs were reportedly engaged in Congress party propaganda instead of their official duties. He urged the Chief Minister to address these issues promptly. The BJP leader informed that a complaint had been filed with the Election Commission regarding irregularities observed during the SIR process in areas like Chamarajpet.
Responding to queries about the delay in the Karnataka Cabinet expansion, Vijayendra alleged that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was using the SIR exercise as an excuse to postpone the expansion. He claimed that the Chief Minister feared repercussions if the Cabinet was expanded, suggesting underlying political motives. Vijayendra also raised concerns about instances of violence in different regions, including assaults on community members and alleged murders.
Critiquing the state government’s approach, Vijayendra accused the leadership of adopting policies that emboldened communal elements. He specifically pointed out Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s ‘soft Hindutva’ stance, Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s strategies, and KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad’s alleged anti-Hindu positions. The BJP’s statements come amidst escalating tensions between the BJP and the ruling government over the implementation of the EC’s SIR of electoral rolls in Karnataka, with claims of guideline violations and political interference.
