Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday, 4 July participated in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls at his residence in Hubballi, Karnataka, urging citizens across the state to cooperate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the mandatory house-to-house verification process. Later the same day, Joshi held a press conference where he alleged widespread irregularities in how the SIR exercise is being conducted across Karnataka.

Minister Participates in SIR at Home

Election Commission officials visited Joshi's Hubballi residence on Saturday morning as part of the SIR exercise. Joshi and his family members submitted the required documents and details to the visiting officials. Addressing the gathering, the minister appealed to all citizens to provide BLOs with accurate documents and information so that electoral rolls reflect correct personal details.

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

Allegations of Large-Scale Irregularities

At a subsequent press conference in Hubballi, Joshi alleged that the SIR process was being conducted collectively in mosques, community halls, and public places across Karnataka instead of through the mandatory door-to-door verification. He described the alleged practice as resembling 'mass copying during an examination,' claiming BLOs were carrying out these activities 'without fear.'

Joshi further alleged that SIR application forms were being distributed in public spaces as though they were pamphlets, and that some officials were dismissing objections raised by residents. He cited specific locations, including Ward No. 66, Booth No. 55 in Mullana Oni in Hubballi-Dharwad, Booth Nos. 184, 185 and 186 in Savanur, and mosques in Bankapur, as sites where mass distribution of forms allegedly took place.

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

BJP Delegation to Meet Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer

Joshi announced that a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation comprising Union Ministers and senior state leaders would soon meet the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) with documentary evidence of the alleged lapses. 'We will meet the Chief Electoral Officer and draw attention to the irregularities with supporting evidence,' he said.

The minister also noted that the SIR exercise has faced legal challenges, and that the Supreme Court had upheld the constitutional framework governing the electoral revision process.

What the SIR Process Is Meant to Do

Joshi clarified that the purpose of the Special Intensive Revision is to identify deceased persons, individuals who have shifted residence, and illegal migrants — and to ensure electoral rolls are accurate. He urged all officials involved to perform their duties independently and in line with the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, warning them not to function under external pressure.

He also suggested that if additional time was needed to complete the exercise transparently, the Election Commission could consider extending the deadline. Recalling a 2010 order that barred deletion of names from rolls unless individuals themselves applied, Joshi said his party's demand was limited to accurate record-keeping — not additions or deletions based on religion or community.

Leaders Present at the Press Conference

Arvind Bellad, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, BJP leader Mahesh Tenginakai, and other senior party figures were present at the press conference in Hubballi. The BJP's next step — a formal meeting with the state CEO — is expected shortly, and the party has indicated it will escalate the matter to the Election Commission with documented evidence.