Bengaluru, Oct 1: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has raised serious concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that large numbers of Form 7 applications are being filed to seek deletion of voters’ names.
Shivakumar claimed that applications have been submitted to delete around 45 lakh voters across Karnataka. He alleged that the process could disproportionately affect minorities, Dalits and Scheduled Tribes. These allegations have not been established by an independent inquiry.
The Chief Minister described the issue as a serious electoral concern and demanded a comprehensive investigation, including a criminal probe, into the alleged misuse of Form 7. He also questioned how large-scale deletion attempts could take place without the Election Commission becoming aware of them.
Shivakumar seeks inquiry into Form 7 applications
According to Shivakumar, there have been instances where multiple applications were allegedly filed under different names to seek deletion of voters from electoral rolls.
He claimed that 14,000 Form 7 applications had been submitted in Vijayapura alone during the SIR exercise. He also alleged that bulk applications were filed on September 22, 23 and 24.
Shivakumar further alleged that some people submitting such applications were BJP workers rather than authorised Booth Level Agents. These claims are part of the political dispute surrounding the SIR process and remain subject to verification.
Allegations of targeting vulnerable communities
The Karnataka CM alleged that minorities, Dalits and tribal voters could be among those affected by the alleged bulk deletion requests.
He said similar complaints had emerged from several constituencies, including Bhalki, Mudigere and Narasimharaja, and argued that the reports required investigation beyond individual constituencies.
Shivakumar has urged voters, legislators, party workers and booth-level representatives to report suspected Form 7 applications so that the complaints can be placed before the Election Commission.
CM asks voters to report Form 7 applications
In a video message, Shivakumar appealed to Booth Level Agents, BLA-2 representatives, legislators and voters to immediately share information about Form 7 applications seeking deletion of names.
He has also sought constituency-wise details of objections filed through Form 7, including bulk applications and applications that allegedly lack required details.
The Chief Minister said the information would help his office take up the matter with election authorities. He has also indicated that he would personally approach the Election Commission over the issue.
Demand for criminal investigation
Shivakumar has called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misuse of Form 7, including a criminal probe wherever electoral offences are suspected.
He alleged that the issue was not limited to a few constituencies and said complaints from multiple parts of Karnataka indicated the need for a wider examination.
The Election Commission is the constitutional authority responsible for administering electoral rolls and election processes. Its voter services portal provides facilities for voters to check their electoral details and track applications.
The allegations surrounding the SIR exercise and Form 7 applications are now likely to remain a key political and electoral issue in Karnataka as authorities examine the complaints.
