The Karnataka BJP has raised concerns about procedural irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer alleging systemic irregularities and deviations in the process. Concerns were expressed over the transparency and credibility of the voter verification process.
The BJP highlighted severe procedural deviations in the SIR exercise across Karnataka. The party emphasized concerns among various stakeholders regarding the transparency and consistency of the electoral roll revision process. The simultaneous implementation of the SIR exercise and a parallel electoral revision process in 27 wards under the Greater Bengaluru Authority was also questioned.
According to the memorandum, confusion has arisen among electors, political representatives, and field officials due to the parallel exercise. The BJP urged the Chief Electoral Officer to examine the continuation of the parallel exercise and ensure a uniform electoral roll revision process statewide. The party alleged that the Election Commission’s mandatory house-to-house verification process was being diluted in several places through centralized camps.
The BJP claimed that conducting verification through centralized camps undermines the objective of intensive revision. The party argued that this method increases the likelihood of errors in the electoral rolls. The memorandum also alleged that Booth Level Officers were being sidelined and not allowed to discharge their responsibilities independently.
The party further claimed that the SIR process was being conducted in inappropriate locations in several areas. The memorandum detailed alleged irregularities in specific Assembly constituencies in Bengaluru. The BJP expressed concern over the dilution of the door-to-door verification process, potentially leading to the enrollment of ineligible persons.
Referring to Article 324 of the Constitution, the memorandum emphasized the Election Commission’s duty to ensure transparent and impartial electoral roll revision. The BJP requested the deployment of independent observers and strict adherence to the Commission’s procedures. The party urged the Election Commission to conduct an immediate inquiry into the implementation of the Special Intensive Revision in Karnataka.
