Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka DK Shivakumar Friday alleged that a “huge conspiracy” is afoot to disenfranchise poor voters in the name of SIR electoral rolls and urged everyone to be “very careful”.
The Congress leader said the party is creating awareness among cabinet level agents (BLAs) and legislators about the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process.
The poll body has announced the SIR process in Karnataka from June 20. The last SIR in the state was done in 2002 when Karnataka had 3.55 crore voters. Now, the state has 5.55 crore voters.
The final electoral list will be published on October 7.
“SIR has been announced in Karnataka. It is important. Everyone has to submit an application otherwise they will lose their vote. We have seen what happened in other states. A big conspiracy is going on to disenfranchise poor voters. We have to be very careful,” said Shivakumar.
The Congress is wary of the exercise, especially after the SIR in states like Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh sparked a controversy.
“SIR’s aim is to see that the Scheduled Caste, Backward Classes and Minority votes are curtailed. We will ensure that they are protected. Everyone born in India should have their rights,” Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress president DK Shivakumar said earlier.
The Karnataka government will decide in the next three to four days whether to approach the Supreme Court regarding the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. of The cabinet held detailed discussions on Thursday for different options, including legal ones, for the controversial issue. Committed to protecting voters’ rights, the Cabinet has decided to take a final call by May 24 or 25.
(With DHNS login)
