Bagalkot (Karnataka), April 2 (NationPress) A controversy regarding dual voter registrations has emerged in Karnataka as the Bagalkot bypolls approach. Former Deputy Chief Minister and MP, Govind Karjol, has accused the Congress party of instilling fear among voters due to their anxiety over potential defeat. On Thursday, he boldly challenged the ruling party to take action against student voters if they truly have the resolve.

The remarks followed statements from Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, who claimed that there are students from outside the region whose names have been added to the local voter list. This situation implies that these students may have voting rights both in their hometowns and in Bagalkot.

Shivakumar announced, "I have directed that a formal complaint be lodged with the Deputy Commissioner regarding this issue. A dedicated team has been formed to identify individuals with dual registrations. We are also exploring the legal avenues for potential arrests and will act promptly on this matter."

Speaking to reporters in Bagalkot, Karjol challenged, "Mr. Randeep Singh Surjewala (AICC General Secretary and Karnataka Incharge), the government is under your control. If you possess the courage, arrest the student voters today and demonstrate your commitment."

Karjol accused Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and Surjewala of spreading panic among young voters by suggesting that they could face legal repercussions for exercising their right to vote. He denounced such rhetoric as detrimental to democracy.

Additionally, Karjol highlighted that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has not yet been finalized in the state. He claimed that the Congress leaders are resorting to fear tactics because they are afraid of losing the elections.

He further alleged that the ruling party is exploiting grassroots workers to sway voters' opinions. "ASHA and Anganwadi workers, along with teachers, are being dispatched to intimidate residents into voting for Congress by threatening that failure to comply could result in the cancellation of the five guarantee schemes. This is disgraceful," he stated.

Emphasizing voter eligibility, Karjol noted that individuals who have registered in the voter list with correct address and Aadhaar information are only allowed to cast a single vote during elections. He mentioned that many students have lived in Bagalkot for 5 to 10 years, making them legitimate voters.

He further alleged that if the government had been performing well, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister would not need to spend extended periods in the constituency or engage in extravagant efforts to secure election victories.

In reference to historical leaders, he remarked that former Chief Ministers Ramakrishna Hegde and Patel did not engage in bye-elections, implying that the current tactics lack dignity.

Karjol noted that their party candidate, Charantimath, has already outlined his past accomplishments and future objectives through a published booklet. He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to similarly showcase the achievements of his MLAs and the government.

Present at the event were Rajya Sabha member Narayanasa Bhandage, former minister N. Mahesh, former MLC Arun Shahapur, state secretary Sharanu Thallikere, district president Shantagouda Patil, and other prominent leaders.

It is significant to mention that Surjewala and Deputy CM Shivakumar, while addressing the media together, accused the BJP of threatening migrant students and coercing them into voting.

They stated, "Due to the elections, we need to ensure that some individuals who have migrated for work are brought back. Meanwhile, in certain wards of Bagalkot city, students from outside have been included in the voter list. These individuals possess voting rights both in their native locations and here.

"Our candidate has purportedly confiscated the voter ID cards of these students. They are being intimidated into voting, with threats of failure or harassment looming over them."