Bengaluru, July 11 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday said the state government will issue permanent residence certificates to help people participate in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, dismissing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) criticism as politically motivated.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said the Election Commission requires 13 supporting documents for the SIR process, including proof of whether an applicant resides in their own house. He questioned what was wrong with that and said the BJP was trying to politicise every issue.

The Deputy CM pointed out that the Centre has not issued such certificates and noted that caste certificates are also issued by the state government. He added that mentioning caste details in the permanent residence certificate would also benefit students appearing for competitive examinations.

Parameshwara said that nearly 50,000 to 60,000 students are already facing difficulties writing the CET and other competitive examinations due to the absence of caste certificates, and that including caste details in the permanent residence certificate will help such students. He urged the BJP not to view everything through a political lens.

Rejecting the BJP’s allegation that permanent residence certificates would be issued to Bangladeshi nationals, Parameshwara termed the charge “far from the truth.”

He clarified that the question of Bangladeshis does not arise here, as citizenship is a national issue. He added that a state government cannot grant citizenship to Bangladeshis, and that only if a Bangladeshi marries an Indian citizen are there specific legal provisions. Apart from that, the state government has no authority to grant citizenship to people from Bangladesh or any other country.

On the proposed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, Parameshwara said they could technically be conducted during the SIR process, but the Election Commission was unlikely to permit it. He added that if the Election Commission grants special permission, the government is ready to hold the elections.

The Deputy CM also announced that all sub-registrar offices across the state would remain open on Sunday, July 12, to expedite work related to e-Pouthi and property title (hakku patra) services.

On the much-awaited Cabinet expansion, he said the decision rests with the Congress high command.

Commenting on the upcoming Mysuru Dasara celebrations, Parameshwara said suggestions had been made during Friday’s preparatory meeting to hold a simple celebration. However, he opposed the idea, saying Dasara represents Karnataka’s culture, heritage and history.

He added that it is the government’s responsibility to educate the younger generation about history and traditions, and that Dasara should be celebrated in a grand manner rather than made a low-key event.

Responding to a question on the proposal to include Kambala in the Mysuru Dasara festivities, Parameshwara said various opinions had been expressed and that the state government would take a decision after due deliberation.

–IANS

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