The Election Commission of India (ECI) has assured an NDA delegation that it will examine complaints of alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka and take appropriate action, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday, 7 July. Joshi made the announcement after the delegation submitted a formal memorandum to the Commission in New Delhi.

Key Allegations Placed Before the Commission

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka is attempting to derail the SIR process and subvert the exercise. He claimed the party, which initially opposed the SIR, is now allegedly indulging in irregularities during its implementation.

Among the specific allegations, Joshi claimed there is a conspiracy to include Bangladeshi nationals in the electoral rolls in cities such as Hubballi, Dharwad, and Mysuru. He further alleged that Booth Level Agents (BLAs) are not being provided proper information, and that officials respond dismissively when BLAs raise concerns about mass processing of SIR forms.

Alleged Oral Instructions and Procedural Violations

Joshi alleged that officials had received verbal instructions not to delete the names of deceased voters from the electoral rolls — a claim that, if verified, would constitute a serious procedural breach. He also alleged that applicants in Karnataka are citing distant relatives such as uncles and extended family members to establish eligibility in Enumeration Forms, whereas the ECI's own guidelines permit only specified relationships such as parents or grandparents for those not included in the 2002 electoral rolls.

Opposition Leader in the Assembly R. Ashoka went further, alleging that state officials had been orally directed not to delete the names of Muslim voters — specifically those with names such as Khan, Abdul, and Karim — while being free to act against names from other communities. Ashoka claimed Deputy Commissioners across Karnataka were complying with these alleged instructions out of fear. These are serious allegations that remain unverified and have not been corroborated by the Election Commission or state authorities.

Kumaraswamy's Claims on Bangladeshi Nationals

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who also submitted a pen drive containing purported evidence of irregularities, alleged that more than 20 lakh Bangladeshi nationals are living in Karnataka. He claimed that even ministers in the state government have acknowledged this figure, and alleged that the government is protecting such individuals by facilitating voter identity cards and Aadhaar cards. The ECI has not independently confirmed these figures.

NDA's Demands and Rahul Gandhi Reference

The NDA delegation urged the Election Commission to appoint independent observers to monitor the SIR process in Karnataka and called on the state government to stop acting in a manner that allegedly violates the Constitution. Joshi was categorical that the NDA's demand is not to exclude any particular community from the SIR, but to ensure the exercise is conducted strictly in accordance with ECI guidelines.

Joshi also targeted Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, alleging that Gandhi had publicly accused large-scale voter fraud in Bengaluru but subsequently failed to file any formal complaint with the Commission. He added that the NDA has informed the Commission of a parallel SIR exercise allegedly being conducted in the 27 GBA wards Gandhi had previously referenced.

The delegation included Union Ministers Shobha Karandlaje and V. Somanna, Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former Minister Bandeppa Kashempur, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad, MP Mallesh Babu, senior BJP leader Srinivas Poojari, and several other NDA leaders. The Election Commission's response and any action taken will be closely watched ahead of Karnataka's next electoral cycle.