Congress leader B K Hariprasad has accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of systematically removing names of minorities from electoral rolls through the Systematic Information Revision (SIR) process, alleging that the objective is to create a 'Hindu Rashtra'. Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on 23 June 2026, Hariprasad claimed that the RSS and BJP are deliberately targeting Christians, Muslims, and followers of the Congress party.
Allegations of Systematic Name Deletion
Hariprasad stated that the RSS and BJP are using the SIR mechanism to purge names of minority communities. 'They are trying to figure out how to delete names of minorities, like Christians and Muslims, and even followers of the Congress,' he said. The Congress leader argued that this is part of a larger agenda to create a Hindu Rashtra by disenfranchising non-Hindu voters.
The SIR process is a routine exercise to update electoral rolls, but Hariprasad alleges it is being misused. According to him, the deletion of names is not accidental but a deliberate strategy to alter the demographic composition of the electorate. He did not provide specific numbers but claimed that thousands of names have been removed in Karnataka alone.
Political Reactions and Context
The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in Karnataka, where the Congress government is in power. Hariprasad's remarks are likely to escalate the war of words between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. The BJP has dismissed the accusations as baseless, stating that the SIR process is conducted transparently and follows legal procedures.
Hariprasad, a former Member of Parliament and senior Congress leader, has been vocal about what he perceives as the BJP's majoritarian agenda. He earlier served as the president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee and has often criticized the RSS for its ideological leanings.
Implications for Electoral Integrity
The controversy raises questions about the integrity of electoral rolls in India. If Hariprasad's claims are true, it could undermine the credibility of the election process. The Election Commission of India has not commented on the specific allegations but has maintained that electoral roll revisions are conducted in a non-partisan manner.
Political analysts suggest that such allegations could further polarize the electorate in Karnataka, which is scheduled to hold assembly elections in 2028. The state has a significant minority population, and any perception of vote suppression could lead to legal challenges and protests.
