Stories
Shivakumar, Vijayendra Clash Over Alleged Voter Deletion in Karnataka
- •Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar and BJP State President B Y Vijayendra traded accusations regarding alleged deletion of voters from electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
- •Vijayendra accused Shivakumar of a "sham drama" protest, while Shivakumar claimed the BJP's "strategy, conspiracy and plans" were being exposed.
- •Vijayendra alleged irregularities in voter additions in Mysuru's Narasimharaja and other constituencies, particularly where there is a high concentration of minorities, claiming Congress encouragement.
- •Shivakumar challenged Vijayendra to prove allegations, stating he was ready to take up the challenge and that the BJP's admission of 24,000 Form-7 applications indicated a deeper issue.
- •Shivakumar demanded action against those who admitted to submitting Form-7 applications, calling it evidence of attempts to remove votes of minorities, poor, and Dalits.
Key Questions Answered
Form 7 is an Election Commission application form used to raise objections against the proposed inclusion or deletion of names in electoral rolls, such as for deceased, duplicate, or ineligible entries, with around 24,000 to 25,000 applications submitted by various political parties and groups.
A war of words erupted between Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, with both leaders mutually accusing each other of attempting to manipulate voter lists and misuse Form 7 applications to delete electors.
Nearly 1.5 million voters in Karnataka face the risk of deletion or exclusion from electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise, prompting the Chief Minister to urge the Election Commission for more time.
