Hubballi (Karnataka), July 4 (IANS) Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Saturday participated in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls at his residence in Hubballi and urged citizens across Karnataka to cooperate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) by providing the necessary documents and information during the house-to-house verification process.

Officials deputed by the Election Commission visited the Minister’s residence on Saturday morning, where Joshi and his family members submitted the required documents and details as part of the SIR exercise.

Speaking on the occasion, Joshi said the house-to-house survey under the Special Intensive Revision was being conducted across the state and appealed to the public to extend full cooperation to the BLOs visiting their homes.

He said every voter should provide the required documents and information to ensure that their names and personal details are accurately recorded in the electoral rolls.

“Every citizen’s participation is vital to further strengthen the country’s democratic system. Therefore, everyone should actively participate in the SIR process,” he said.

Later, addressing a press conference in Hubballi, Joshi alleged that large-scale irregularities were taking place in the implementation of the SIR exercise across Karnataka and announced that a BJP delegation, including Union Ministers and senior party leaders from the state, would soon meet the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) with documentary evidence.

“We will meet the Chief Electoral Officer and draw attention to the irregularities with supporting evidence,” he said.

The Union Minister alleged that the SIR process was being conducted collectively in mosques, community halls and public places across the state instead of through mandatory house-to-house verification.

“This resembles mass copying during an examination. BLOs are carrying out these irregularities without fear,” he alleged.

Joshi claimed that SIR application forms were being distributed in public places as though they were pamphlets and alleged that some officials were ignoring objections raised by the public.

“Even when people object, the staff are not paying attention. Some are reportedly saying, ‘You may even complain to Delhi.’ All these matters will be brought to the notice of the Chief Electoral Officer,” he said.

He further alleged that mass distribution of SIR forms had taken place at several locations, including Ward No. 66, Booth No. 55 in Mullana Oni in Hubballi-Dharwad, as well as Booth Nos. 184, 185 and 186 in Savanur and at mosques in Bankapur.

“Photographs of these activities have been openly circulated on WhatsApp. We have documentary evidence and will submit it to the Election Commission,” he said.

Referring to legal challenges to the SIR exercise, Joshi said the issue had reached the Supreme Court, which had upheld the constitutional framework governing the electoral revision process.

He urged officials and staff involved in the SIR exercise to perform their duties independently and in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines.

“Every official engaged in the SIR process must visit every household and carry out verification properly. They should not function under anyone’s pressure,” he said.

Joshi also suggested that if officials required additional time to complete the exercise in a transparent manner, the Election Commission could consider extending the deadline.

He recalled that in 2010, an order had been issued preventing deletion of names from the electoral rolls unless individuals themselves applied for additions or deletions.

“We have never asked for anyone’s name to be deleted or added. Whether they are Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs or Christians, our only demand is that the information should be recorded correctly,” he said.

The Union Minister said the purpose of the revision was to identify deceased persons, those who had shifted residence, and illegal migrants, and cautioned Booth Level Officers and other officials against becoming involved in any irregularities.

“They should not get trapped in unnecessary illegal activities while carrying out the SIR exercise,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition’s Deputy in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Arvind Bellad, BJP leader Mahesh Tenginakai, and other party leaders were present at the press conference.

–IANS

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