Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, criticized the Karnataka government for proposing to issue Permanent Residency Certificates (PRCs), alleging that this move could be exploited by illegal immigrants. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the issuance of PRCs to aid eligible citizens in participating in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, emphasizing the aim to prevent eligible voters from being removed from the lists.
Karandlaje, speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, accused Chief Minister Shivakumar of acting arrogantly and trying to change the country’s demographic profile. She questioned the state’s authority to grant Permanent Residency Certificates, expressing concerns about the safety and security implications for Karnataka.
The Union Minister further alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka was looking to include illegal immigrants in the voters’ list and provide them with government benefits, neglecting the interests of local residents. She urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene in the matter, citing constitutional and national security concerns regarding the proposed Karnataka Permanent Residence Certificate.
