BJP National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Radhamohan Das Agrawal on Thursday raised objections to the alleged mass filling of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration forms at religious places and locations reportedly identified by Congress leaders, describing the practice as procedurally incorrect. Agrawal made the remarks at a press conference held at the party's state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru.

The Core Allegation

Agrawal alleged that enumeration forms were being filled collectively at religious sites and at venues suggested by Congress functionaries, rather than through the prescribed household-level process. 'Enumeration forms are being filled collectively at religious places and at locations suggested by Congress leaders. This is not the correct procedure,' he said.

The BJP has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were not visiting individual households as mandated. 'The Election Commission has clearly instructed BLOs to distribute the forms by visiting every household. We have raised this issue with the Commission,' Agrawal stated.

BJP's Booth-Level Preparedness

Agrawal said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had conducted meetings and training sessions for its Booth Level Agent-2 (BLA-2) workers to ensure readiness for the SIR process. He further alleged that the state government was not utilising BJP-appointed BLA-2 workers, a charge that underscores the party's broader accusation that the ruling dispensation is politicising what is meant to be a neutral electoral exercise.

Swipe at Priyank Kharge

Agrawal also took aim at Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, saying, 'No one is paying attention to what Priyank Kharge says. Even his remarks on the issue of kumkum were not appropriate.' This follows a controversy in which Kharge reportedly claimed that '90 per cent of kesar comes from Islamic countries' while questioning the use of a tilak — remarks that had already drawn sharp political reactions.

BJP-JD(S) Coordination and 2028 Outlook

On the question of cross-voting, Agrawal said appropriate action would be taken against those responsible. He also confirmed ongoing coordination between the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)), noting that a coordination committee had been formed. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi are members of the committee.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, Agrawal expressed confidence that voters would deliver a verdict against the incumbent government. 'Just as voters gave a fitting reply to Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal, they will similarly respond to Rahul Gandhi, D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah's government in Karnataka,' he said. This comes amid the Congress government in Karnataka facing mounting political pressure on multiple fronts, from electoral roll management to communal rhetoric.