Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed concerns over the State Chief Electoral Officer’s statement denying major irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka. Kumaraswamy, along with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, presented evidence to the Election Commission alleging irregularities in the SIR process, particularly highlighting instances of group-based revisions in various locations.
The Union Minister raised questions regarding the issuance of notices to 35 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) if the SIR exercise was conducted correctly. He emphasized that the submitted evidence by the BJP delegation supported claims of discrepancies in the electoral roll revision and demanded clarification on the actions taken against officials involved, despite following prescribed guidelines.
Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbu Kumar refuted allegations of irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls, affirming adherence to Election Commission of India’s guidelines. Kumaraswamy refrained from commenting on Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s reported decision to cancel previous tenders and issue new ones, stating that he would disclose details at a later time.
In response to inquiries about his political future in Karnataka, Kumaraswamy indicated a return to active state politics but not immediately. Regarding the proposed by-election in the Hiriyur Assembly constituency, he mentioned internal pressure within the Janata Dal (Secular) to nominate their candidate. Additionally, Kumaraswamy criticized Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s announcement of allocating Rs 1.5 lakh crore for Bengaluru’s development, questioning the methodology behind certain achievements claimed by the government.
