Karnataka Congress Faces Questions Over SIR
The Congress in Karnataka is facing an internal disagreement over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls after state Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi defended the exercise in the state. His remarks have drawn attention because the Congress leadership is preparing for a major protest in Delhi on November 1 over alleged irregularities in the voter-list revision process.
Satish Jarkiholi Says SIR Was Conducted Properly
Jarkiholi maintained that the SIR exercise was carried out properly in Karnataka, crediting the training and groundwork undertaken by the party. He said Congress had not opposed the process in the state but had raised concerns about its implementation in places such as West Bengal, Maharashtra and Bihar.
Addressing questions about the deletion of around one crore names, he said the removals largely involved deceased voters, people who had shifted residence and duplicate entries.
Priyank Kharge Raises Concerns Over Alleged Irregularities
Jarkiholi’s assessment was challenged by Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, who referred to alleged irregularities in districts including Kalaburagi and Vijayapura.
Kharge questioned the use of pre-filled Form 7 applications, which are submitted to request the deletion of names from electoral rolls. He alleged that applications had been submitted in bulk without proper verification and cited cases in which living voters were reportedly marked as deceased.
He called for the allegations to be examined and said the party would seek to establish how such applications had been submitted.
BJP Questions Congress Leadership’s Position
The disagreement has also drawn a response from the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP leaders have pointed to the difference between Jarkiholi’s defence of the Karnataka exercise and the Congress leadership’s broader criticism of SIR in other states.
The BJP has used the remarks to question the consistency of the Congress’s position on electoral roll revision. These are political claims made amid the ongoing dispute over the process.
Disagreement Emerges Ahead of Delhi Protest
The Karnataka debate comes just days before the Congress-led INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. The opposition has announced the demonstration to raise concerns over alleged vote theft, electoral roll irregularities and the Election Commission’s role.
Jarkiholi’s comments have added a state-level dimension to the national debate, while Priyank Kharge’s objections underline the need for clarity over the specific allegations. The issue is likely to remain part of the political discussion as the opposition prepares for its Delhi programme.
