Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday, 24 September 2026, demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called for the complete scrapping of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, insisting that a fresh electoral roll revision be conducted to safeguard every citizen's fundamental right to vote.

Key Demands and Allegations

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Shivakumar framed the issue in stark constitutional terms. 'The right to vote is the right to live,' he said, adding that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi had already raised their voices in defence of the voting rights of citizens across the country.

Shivakumar alleged that attempts were being made to misuse the voting rights of ordinary citizens for political purposes. He claimed similar efforts had been made in West Bengal, Bihar, and several other states, and warned that Karnataka was now facing the same threat.

Internal Discord at the Election Commission

The Chief Minister invoked reported differences among members of the Election Commission, arguing that the autonomy granted to the poll panel was being misused. 'When a majority of the members do not agree with an opinion, a decision cannot be imposed unilaterally,' he said. He added that it would be better if the Chief Election Commissioner voluntarily resigned on moral grounds.

This comes amid a broader Opposition offensive against the Election Commission of India (ECI), with critics arguing that the SIR process — which relies on Forms 6, 7 and 8 — could disproportionately harm illiterate and disadvantaged sections of society who may struggle to navigate complex administrative paperwork.

Impact on Marginalised Voters

Shivakumar specifically questioned the manner in which the current SIR exercise was being conducted, alleging it was structured in a way that could effectively disenfranchise vulnerable communities. 'This is not merely a matter of opinion. It is a fundamental right. This is the voice of the common man,' he said.

He also called for the issue to be debated on a larger platform, including in Parliament, and strongly opposed what he described as alleged pressure or intimidation of state officials in the name of the Election Commission.

What the CM Is Asking For

'We want a fresh SIR to be conducted. Everyone should be given their rights. The situation must be reviewed comprehensively to ensure the right to every vote, and the electoral data must be re-examined,' Shivakumar said. He was careful to stress that the demand was not partisan: 'We are not talking about Congress votes or BJP votes. Every citizen has the right to vote, and that is the right to live. Nobody can suppress that right.'

The Chief Minister added that he had already requested the Election Commission to grant more time for the revision process. As political pressure on the ECI intensifies, the debate over the SIR process is likely to move to the national stage in the days ahead.