‘Right to Vote Is Right to Live’: Shivakumar Defends Karnataka Government Amid SIR Controversy

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday strongly rejected allegations made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] that the state government is interfering in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He accused the opposition of turning the issue into a political battle instead of supporting efforts to safeguard voters’ rights.

The remarks came shortly after a delegation of NDA leaders met Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumar, submitting a formal complaint alleging widespread irregularities in the voter verification process. The opposition demanded a detailed inquiry, mandatory door-to-door re-verification of all enumeration forms, and legal action against officials and political functionaries found responsible for any lapses.

‘Election Commission Is Conducting the Process’

Responding to the allegations, Shivakumar made it clear that officials involved in the SIR exercise are working solely under the supervision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and not under the direction of the state government.

He stated that while the Congress has raised concerns over certain aspects of the SIR process and has approached the courts regarding the timeline fixed for the exercise, the government is still cooperating with the Election Commission to ensure that every eligible citizen gets an opportunity to protect their voting rights.

According to him, the state government’s role is limited to creating awareness among voters and helping them complete the verification process.

Government Focused on Voter Awareness

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that the administration has launched awareness campaigns across Karnataka to encourage people to verify their electoral details.

Calling voting a fundamental democratic right, he remarked that “Right to Vote is Right to Live,” stressing that the government is committed to ensuring that no eligible voter is left out of the electoral rolls.

He also pointed out that political parties have been allowed to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and that several community groups and organisations are participating in the process alongside Election Commission officials.

The ongoing house-to-house enumeration phase of Karnataka’s SIR exercise began on June 30 and is scheduled to continue until July 29.

Opposition Raises Questions Over Verification Process

Over the past few days, the BJP and JD(S) have accused the Congress government of facilitating the inclusion of illegal immigrants through alleged mass enrolment camps rather than individual household verification.

The opposition also released videos claiming that enumeration was being conducted collectively instead of through mandatory door-to-door visits by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). They further alleged that government officials were being misused, compromising the integrity of the revision process.

Shivakumar Rejects Bangladeshi Allegations

Responding to claims regarding the alleged inclusion of illegal immigrants, Shivakumar dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.

Questioning the opposition’s stand, he argued that if illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were indeed present in Karnataka, the BJP should explain why action was not taken when it was in power.

He also asserted that individuals without valid voting rights would not be eligible to receive benefits under welfare schemes such as the Food Security Act, rejecting allegations that the government was extending benefits to ineligible people.

Government Providing Documents to Eligible Citizens

Shivakumar said the Karnataka government has simplified access to important documents required for voter verification.

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He noted that nearly 4.5 crore caste certificates have already been issued and can now be downloaded online. Residential certificates are also being provided to eligible citizens to help them complete the SIR process.

He explained that many voters may not possess records dating back to their original voter registration in 2002, and the government’s efforts are aimed at making these documents easily accessible rather than influencing the electoral process.

‘Election Commission Should Investigate’

The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the Election Commission should independently examine all complaints submitted by the opposition.

He accused the BJP and JD(S) of attempting to create unnecessary controversy while the government continues to assist citizens in protecting their constitutional right to vote.

Shivakumar reiterated that Congress leaders, ministers, legislators and party workers have established help desks across polling booths to guide voters through the verification process, insisting that these initiatives are meant to strengthen democratic participation rather than interfere with the Election Commission’s work.