Bengaluru Activists Stage Vigorous Protest Against Electoral Roll Revision
In a powerful display of civic engagement, a determined group of civil rights activists converged at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Saturday evening, brandishing placards and chanting the resonant slogan "Beda Beda SIR Beda" (We don't want SIR). The protest was organized to voice strong opposition to the state government's perceived silence and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has sparked widespread concern among citizens.
Concerns Over Voter Deletion and Lack of Transparency
The demonstrators raised serious apprehensions about the alleged deletion of voters' names during the SIR exercise, demanding immediate transparency and clarity from state authorities. Members from various activist groups participated in the protest, reciting poignant poems and raising slogans to highlight what they described as significant threats to fundamental voting rights. The primary objective of the demonstration was to pressure the government to clearly articulate its position on the controversial SIR process.
Specific Grievances from Activists and Union Leaders
M Jayamma, the vice-president of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), provided specific examples of the challenges faced by citizens. She explained that married women who migrated to Bengaluru decades ago are being required to furnish detailed documentation about their father's identity, native place, and supporting papers. "When such proof cannot be produced, their names are systematically removed from the electoral rolls," Jayamma stated emphatically. She warned that if this practice continues unchecked, it could lead to the exclusion of genuine citizens and potentially create unnecessary social and religious divisions. "Authorities must take immediate action to ensure that no eligible voter is denied their constitutional right to vote," she insisted.
Legal and Social Implications Highlighted
Advocate Vinay Srinivasa, representing the organization My Vote My Right, expressed grave concerns about the broader implications of the SIR process. "This revision threatens everyone's voting rights because the process appears so random that virtually anyone could be excluded," he explained. Srinivasa further elaborated that there are growing fears that the deletion of voter names could have cascading effects on other essential documents, including passports, driving licenses, ration cards, and even scholarship applications.
Mamatha Yajaman, representing Naveddu Nilladiddare—a network of women's organizations focused on gender justice—echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the impact on married women. "Our voting rights are disappearing before our eyes. This situation is shameful for both the government and the Election Commission," she declared, emphasizing the urgent need for corrective measures.
Broader Context and Demands
The protest at Freedom Park represents a significant moment of civic mobilization in Bengaluru, with activists calling for:
- Complete transparency in the SIR process
- Immediate cessation of arbitrary voter name deletions
- Clear communication from government authorities about their stance on electoral roll revisions
- Protection of constitutional voting rights for all eligible citizens
The demonstration underscores growing public anxiety about electoral integrity and the fundamental right to participate in democratic processes. As the SIR exercise continues, activists vow to maintain pressure on authorities until satisfactory resolutions are achieved.
