Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is a deliberate attempt to cut the votes of Scheduled Castes (SC), Backward Classes (BC), and minority communities. The exercise, which involves a special revision of electoral rolls, is scheduled to be carried out in four states: Punjab, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Telangana. All these states are currently governed by opposition parties.
Shivakumar's Allegations
Speaking to the media, Shivakumar claimed that the SIR exercise is not a routine administrative measure but a politically motivated move. He said, "The SIR is being rolled out specifically to target and reduce the voter base of SC, BC, and minority communities, who are traditional supporters of the Congress party." He further accused the ruling party at the Centre of using the Election Commission to manipulate electoral rolls in opposition-ruled states.
Opposition-Ruled States Targeted
The four states where the SIR exercise will be held are all ruled by opposition parties. Punjab is governed by the Aam Aadmi Party, Jharkhand by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led coalition, Karnataka by the Congress, and Telangana by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi. Shivakumar argued that the choice of states is not a coincidence. He said, "Why only these four states? Why not states ruled by the BJP? This clearly shows the intention is to weaken the opposition."
Congress Response
The Congress party has decided to challenge the SIR exercise legally. Party leaders have announced plans to approach the Election Commission and the courts to ensure that the revision is conducted fairly and transparently. They have also called for a nationwide protest if their concerns are not addressed.
The SIR exercise is a periodic process aimed at updating electoral rolls by adding new voters, removing deceased or shifted voters, and correcting errors. However, the Congress alleges that in this instance, it is being misused to delete names of genuine voters from marginalized communities.
The Election Commission has not yet responded to the allegations. The exercise is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with officials claiming it will be conducted in a non-partisan manner.
