Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday warned officials to be extremely careful during the ongoing electoral roll revision exercise, expressing concerns over potential voter exclusion. Speaking at a review meeting in Bengaluru, Shivakumar emphasized that no eligible voter should be left out of the final rolls.
Shivakumar's Warning on Voter Exclusion
Shivakumar stated, "Be very careful. There should be no exclusion of eligible voters during the summary revision of electoral rolls." He directed officials to thoroughly verify claims and objections, ensuring that the process is transparent and inclusive. The Deputy CM also highlighted that political parties have raised concerns about deletions, which need to be addressed promptly.
Instructions to Election Officials
The Deputy Chief Minister instructed district election officers to personally monitor the revision process and resolve any discrepancies. He called for a special focus on urban areas where voter turnout has been historically low. Shivakumar also stressed the importance of using technology to cross-check data and avoid errors.
He added, "We must ensure that every citizen's right to vote is protected. Any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated." The revision exercise, which began on November 1, will continue until December 15, with the final publication of rolls scheduled for January 5.
Political Reactions
The Congress leader's remarks come amid allegations from opposition parties that the electoral roll revision is being manipulated to exclude certain voters. The BJP has accused the state government of targeting specific communities, a charge the government denies. Shivakumar urged all parties to cooperate with the Election Commission to maintain the integrity of the process.
In conclusion, the Deputy CM assured that the government is committed to conducting free and fair elections, and any complaints of voter exclusion will be investigated immediately.
