Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbu Kumar on Friday, 4 July 2025, directed all Deputy Commissioners across the state to ensure Booth Level Officers (BLOs) personally visit every household to distribute Enumeration Forms for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, after complaints emerged that forms were being handed out from offices rather than through door-to-door rounds. The directive underscores the Election Commission of India's (ECI) mandate that the SIR exercise be conducted strictly at the household level.

What Triggered the Directive

Complaints received from various parts of Karnataka alleged that BLOs were bypassing the prescribed verification process — distributing Enumeration Forms from government offices or other designated locations instead of visiting homes, as required under ECI guidelines. The official communication references a complaint dated 2 July, noting that form distribution in Karnataka began on 30 June.

The CEO's letter stated: 'Some complaints have been received alleging that BLOs are not visiting houses and distributing forms from the offices.' It directed all BLOs to 'visit house-to-house for distribution of enumeration forms as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India and strictly adhere to the directions and guidelines of ECI regarding all aspects of SIR.'

Political Allegations in Ramanagara

The compliance failure has drawn sharp political attention. Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Friday alleged direct interference by the Karnataka government in the SIR process in Ramanagara district, demanding an immediate and impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities.

A day earlier, on Thursday, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had alleged a 'massive scam' in the ongoing SIR in Ramanagara, claiming to have exposed the irregularities by releasing a video. The Karnataka government has not publicly responded to these allegations.

Scope of the Directive

The CEO's order was issued to a wide chain of election officials, including the District Election Officer, Bengaluru; the Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA); District Election Officers and Deputy Commissioners of all districts; the Special Commissioner (Elections), GBA; Additional District Election Officers of BBMP Central, BBMP North, and BBMP South election districts; Commissioners of Bengaluru City Corporations (North, South, and Central); and the Additional District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Bengaluru Urban.

Voter Facilitation Centres as a Fallback

The directive also instructed officials to publicise the availability of Voter Facilitation Centres, where voters who find it difficult to fill the Enumeration Forms on their own can seek assistance. This provision is part of the ECI's broader framework to ensure no eligible voter is excluded from the revision exercise.

With political parties closely monitoring the SIR process and formal complaints already on record, the coming days will test whether district administrations can enforce full compliance before the revision window closes.