Political Row Erupts Over PRC Issuance in Karnataka
The Karnataka political landscape witnessed a fresh confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress over the issuance of Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Congress party has raised serious questions about a June 29 government order that empowers revenue officials to issue PRCs, arguing that citizenship matters fall exclusively under the purview of the Union government.
Congress Questions Government Order
Speaking on the matter, Congress leader Prathima Nandakumar stated that the June 29 order effectively delegates authority to revenue officials to determine citizenship status, which she contends is a direct overreach. According to her, the Constitution clearly demarcates citizenship as a subject handled solely by the central government. She highlighted that any deviation from this norm could lead to inconsistencies and potential misuse, especially in the context of the SIR, which aims to clean up electoral rolls.
The SIR, initiated by the Karnataka government, is designed to identify and remove duplicate or ineligible voters from the electoral list. However, the Congress fears that empowering local revenue officers to issue PRCs could open the door for arbitrary decisions, particularly in border areas and among linguistic minorities. Nandakumar emphasized that the PRC is a critical document that establishes residency and, by extension, voting rights, making its issuance a sensitive process that requires central oversight.
BJP Defends the Move
The BJP, in response, defended the government order as a practical measure to expedite the SIR process. State BJP leaders argued that revenue officials are best placed to verify residential claims at the grassroots level, given their direct access to land records and local knowledge. They accused the Congress of creating unnecessary hurdles and politicizing a routine administrative procedure. A senior BJP functionary, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "The June 29 order is purely administrative and aims to streamline the issuance of PRCs to genuine residents. The Congress is merely indulging in petty politics to derail the SIR."
The party also pointed out that similar arrangements have existed in other states and that the central government has not raised any objections. They maintained that the order does not infringe upon the Union's exclusive jurisdiction over citizenship, as the PRC only certifies residence, not citizenship status.
Impact on Electoral Rolls
As of July 2026, the SIR has been underway for several weeks, with officials reviewing millions of voter records. The controversy over PRCs threatens to slow down the process, as political parties trade accusations. Election Commission sources indicate that the SIR is crucial for ensuring accurate voter lists ahead of upcoming local body elections. Any delay or legal challenge could complicate the electoral schedule.
The Congress has indicated that it may approach the Karnataka High Court to challenge the June 29 order, arguing that it violates the Representation of the People Act and the Constitution. Meanwhile, the BJP has called on the Congress to cooperate with the SIR for the sake of democratic integrity. With both sides digging in, the PRC issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in Karnataka politics.
