The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka may lead to the exclusion of up to one crore voters if proper corrective measures are not implemented, according to a civic forum. Dr Vasu HV, representing the forum, issued the warning, emphasizing the potential scale of disenfranchisement.
Implications of the SIR Process
The SIR is a routine exercise aimed at cleaning up voter lists by removing duplicate entries, deceased persons, and those who have moved away. However, the forum claims that the current process is too aggressive and lacks adequate verification, leading to the risk of legitimate voters being struck off. Dr Vasu HV stated, "Without careful cross-checking and accessible correction mechanisms, at least one crore eligible voters could be wrongly excluded."
Need for Corrective Measures
The forum has called for more transparency and public awareness campaigns to help voters ensure their names remain on the rolls. It recommends that election authorities provide easy channels for objections and claims, extend deadlines, and conduct field verifications. The warning comes ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, where a massive deletion could impact electoral outcomes.
Historical Context
Previous SIR drives in Karnataka have resulted in lakhs of deletions, but the current estimate of one crore is unprecedented. Critics argue that the digital booth-level officers may be overzealous in removing entries without proper due process. The Election Commission has yet to respond to the forum's concerns.
