Shivakumar demands Form 7 data, FIRs amid Karnataka SIR row
Synopsis
Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar has escalated the SIR row by demanding constituency-wise Form 7 objection data, calling for FIRs against alleged manipulators, and pushing to scrap the entire exercise — all while a Prakash Raj-led civil society delegation handed him an 'SIR Audit Report' at his residence.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar on 30 September asked the Chief Electoral Officer for constituency-wise Form 7 objection data during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) .
Shivakumar flagged concerns that bulk objections with pre-printed voter details may represent a systematic attempt to disenfranchise minority, Dalit, tribal, and backward-community voters.
The Chief Minister called for FIRs against those involved in criminal activities linked to the SIR process, with copies directed to the Chief Secretary .
A delegation led by actor-activist Prakash Raj submitted an 'SIR Audit Report' to Shivakumar at his Sadashivanagar residence.
Shivakumar has also demanded the scrapping of the SIR process in Karnataka entirely.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday, 30 September called for constituency-wise data on Form 7 objections filed during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, warning that bulk deletions could disenfranchise minority communities, Dalits, tribals, and other backward communities. The Chief Minister has simultaneously demanded that the SIR process be scrapped entirely.
What Shivakumar Has Asked For
In a statement posted on social media, Shivakumar said he had formally asked the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to furnish details of all Form 7 objections — specifically the number of bulk objections and those filed without citing prescribed reasons or providing mandatory particulars required for voter deletion requests. He expressed particular concern over objections submitted with pre-printed voter details, saying such instances raised questions about a possible systematic attempt to undermine the SIR exercise.
Form 7 is the statutory mechanism through which claims or objections seeking deletion of names from the electoral roll are submitted, and all such objections are subject to verification under election rules.
FIRs Sought, Chief Secretary Looped In
Shivakumar went further, calling for the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals found to be involved in criminal activities linked to the SIR process. He also directed that copies of such FIRs be forwarded to the Chief Secretary. The Chief Minister said attempts to manipulate electoral rolls or communalise the process would not be tolerated, and that the exercise must remain transparent and fair.
Prakash Raj-Led Delegation Meets CM
Separately on Wednesday, a delegation of the Citizens' Voter Watch Committee and the SIR Opposition Coalition, led by multilingual actor and social activist Prakash Raj, met Shivakumar at his Sadashivanagar residence and submitted an 'SIR Audit Report'. Noor Sridhar, M. Lakshman, Veerasangayya, and others were among those present at the meeting.
The Larger Controversy
The SIR exercise in Karnataka has drawn sustained political attention over allegations of bulk Form 7 objections targeting genuine voters, particularly among vulnerable communities. Critics argue that the scale and pattern of objections — including pre-filled forms — point to an organised effort rather than individual civic action. The Election Commission of India (ECI)'s verification process and how it adjudicates contested deletions are now central to the political and legal debate surrounding the exercise.
This is not the first time an electoral roll revision exercise has triggered accusations of targeted voter removal in India; similar controversies have surfaced in other states during past SIR cycles, making the Karnataka episode part of a recurring national pattern. How the ECI responds to the Chief Minister's data demand is expected to shape the next phase of the dispute.
Point of View
A message with clear electoral resonance. What is missing from the debate is independent verification of how many objections are genuinely frivolous versus procedurally flawed, a distinction the ECI's response will need to address. The pre-printed-form allegation, if substantiated, would point to an organised operation — which is a qualitatively different problem from individual errors. The Election Commission's silence or response will be as politically significant as anything Shivakumar has said.
NationPress
1 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SIR controversy in Karnataka?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka has drawn controversy over allegations that bulk Form 7 objections — some filed with pre-printed voter details — are being used to seek deletion of genuine voters, particularly from minority, Dalit, tribal, and backward communities. Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar has demanded transparency from the Chief Electoral Officer and called for the process to be scrapped.
What is Form 7 in the context of electoral rolls?
Form 7 is the statutory form used to file claims or objections seeking the deletion of a name from the electoral roll. Such objections are subject to verification under election rules before any deletion is carried out.
What action has CM Shivakumar demanded over the SIR row?
Shivakumar has asked the Chief Electoral Officer for constituency-wise data on all Form 7 objections, including bulk filings and those lacking mandatory details. He has also called for FIRs against those involved in criminal manipulation of the process and directed that copies be sent to the Chief Secretary.
What did Prakash Raj's delegation submit to CM Shivakumar?
A delegation of the Citizens' Voter Watch Committee and the SIR Opposition Coalition, led by actor and social activist Prakash Raj, met CM Shivakumar at his Sadashivanagar residence on 30 September and submitted an 'SIR Audit Report' documenting their concerns about the revision exercise.
What happens next in the Karnataka SIR dispute?
The Election Commission of India's response to Shivakumar's data demand and his call to scrap the SIR will be the critical next step. How the ECI handles contested Form 7 objections — particularly those filed in bulk or without mandatory particulars — is expected to determine whether the controversy escalates further.
