Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday, 11 July announced that the state government will issue permanent residence certificates to enable residents to participate in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Parameshwara, speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) criticism of the move as politically motivated.

Why the Certificates Are Needed

Parameshwara explained that the Election Commission of India requires 13 supporting documents for the SIR process, among them proof of whether an applicant resides in their own house. He questioned the BJP's objections, saying the party was attempting to politicise a routine administrative measure. He also noted that the Centre has not issued such certificates, and that caste certificates are similarly issued by state governments.

The Deputy Chief Minister added that including caste details in the permanent residence certificate would benefit students appearing for competitive examinations. He said nearly 50,000 to 60,000 students are already facing difficulties writing the Common Entrance Test (CET) and other competitive examinations due to the absence of caste certificates, and the new document would address that gap.

BJP's Allegations Rejected

Responding to the BJP's allegation that permanent residence certificates could be issued to Bangladeshi nationals, Parameshwara termed the charge 'far from the truth.' He clarified that citizenship is a national matter and that a state government has no authority to grant citizenship to foreign nationals. He noted that specific legal provisions exist only in the narrow case where a Bangladeshi national marries an Indian citizen, and that beyond such provisions, no state-level mechanism exists to confer citizenship.

Greater Bengaluru Authority Elections

On the proposed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, Parameshwara said they could technically be conducted during the SIR process, but that the Election Commission was unlikely to permit it. He added that the government is ready to proceed if the Election Commission grants special permission.

Other Announcements

The Deputy Chief Minister announced that all sub-registrar offices across Karnataka would remain open on Sunday, 12 July, to expedite work related to e-Pouthi and property title (hakku patra) services. On the pending Cabinet expansion, he said the decision rests with the Congress high command.

Parameshwara also weighed in on the upcoming Mysuru Dasara celebrations, opposing suggestions made at a preparatory meeting to hold a low-key event. He argued that Dasara represents Karnataka's culture, heritage, and history, and that the government has a responsibility to educate younger generations about these traditions. On a proposal to include Kambala — the traditional buffalo race — in the Dasara festivities, he said the state government would take a decision after due deliberation.