Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday criticised the Congress government in Karnataka over its protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He accused the ruling party of hypocrisy and said Congress was now raising a “vote theft” charge after earlier complaints about irregularities during the SIR process. Key HighlightsH.D. Kumaraswamy criticised the Congress government over its SIR protest.He questioned Congress leaders for raising concerns about voter lists now.Congress has alleged misuse of Form 7 to remove eligible voters.The Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer has ordered action against those who knowingly submit false declarations.What did Kumaraswamy say?Kumaraswamy attacked the Congress over its latest campaign against the electoral roll revision process.He used a strong comparison to describe the Congress allegations.“Congress' vote theft charge is like Bhagavad Gita from a demon’s mouth,” Kumaraswamy said.He alleged that Congress leaders were raising the issue only after the party faced political pressure. He also said the ruling party had earlier remained silent when complaints were made about the SIR process.Kumaraswamy said the Congress government should explain why its position had changed.“When we complained, the government remained silent and maintained that there was nothing wrong with the SIR process. Why have they suddenly woken up now?” he saidWhat is the SIR process?SIR means Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The exercise is being carried out to check and update voter lists.In Karnataka, the process began with door-to-door work by Booth Level Officers. The aim is to check voter details and prepare updated electoral rolls. The final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on October 7.The process has become a major political issue in Karnataka.Congress leaders have raised concerns about the removal of eligible voters. The BJP and JD(S), on the other hand, have also raised complaints about alleged irregularities during the exercise. Why is Congress protesting?Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other Congress leaders recently protested outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Bengaluru.Congress alleged that Form 7 was being misused to remove eligible voters from electoral rolls.Form 7 is used to request deletion of a name from a voter list. Congress leaders alleged that some forms were filed in large numbers using false or improper information.Shivakumar demanded an investigation and legal action over the alleged misuse.The Election Commission has now asked electoral registration officers across Karnataka to take action against people who knowingly submit false declarations. The move came after Shivakumar and his Cabinet colleagues held a six-hour protest. What has Kumaraswamy alleged?Kumaraswamy has said that the Congress government itself had faced complaints about the SIR process earlier.He said NDA leaders had submitted complaints about alleged problems during the exercise. According to him, no action was taken on those complaints at that time.He questioned why Congress leaders were now making the issue a major political matter.Kumaraswamy also accused the state government of using the SIR controversy to divert attention from other political issues, including allegations linked to the NICE project. These are political allegations made by Kumaraswamy. Congress has taken a different position and has continued to demand action over alleged voter deletions.Congress raises voter concernsCongress leaders say the SIR process could affect eligible voters if names are removed without proper checks.On October 1, Shivakumar submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer over alleged attempts to delete voter names through bulk Form 7 applications. He demanded a criminal case and an investigation. The Congress has also accused the Election Commission of not acting quickly enough on its complaints.The Election Commission has said that electoral officers will take action where false declarations or other violations are found. The CEO has directed officers in all 224 Assembly constituencies to act against knowingly false applications. Political debate continuesThe SIR process has now become a major political issue in Karnataka.Congress leaders are questioning the process and demanding protection for eligible voters. BJP and JD(S) leaders have also raised their own complaints about the revision exercise.Kumaraswamy’s latest remarks have added to the political debate. He has questioned Congress over its change in position and rejected its “vote theft” allegations.The next major step will be the publication of the final electoral rolls on October 7. The Election Commission and state election officials will have to address complaints and complete the revision process before the final list is published.
