Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls should not be used for political purposes. He said he has no objection to the revision process itself, provided all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote.
Shivakumar made the remarks on September 26 amid an ongoing political dispute over the Election Commission’s SIR exercise and reported differences among members of the poll panel.
Shivakumar Says Eligible Citizens Must Vote
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said every eligible citizen should be allowed to vote. He described voting rights as fundamental in a democratic system.
At the same time, he said the SIR process should not serve political interests. According to Shivakumar, the revision must focus on ensuring that eligible voters remain on the electoral rolls.
He also said opposition parties have the right to raise concerns about the Election Commission and its functioning.
CM Raises Concerns Over Election Commission
Shivakumar also questioned the functioning of the three-member Election Commission.
He referred to reports of disagreements among Election Commissioners over decisions linked to electoral-roll revision. According to reports, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on several occasions regarding matters connected with voter registration and electoral-roll procedures.
However, these reported objections are part of an ongoing political and institutional dispute. They do not by themselves establish that any electoral process was unlawful.
Shivakumar Supports Demand Against CEC
The Karnataka Chief Minister also backed the demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
He had earlier called for Kumar’s resignation and demanded that the ongoing SIR exercise be scrapped and conducted afresh. Shivakumar said a fresh revision should protect the voting rights of every eligible citizen.
Furthermore, he argued that decisions within a multi-member Election Commission should not be imposed unilaterally when members disagree. This remains his political assessment of the Commission’s functioning.
Concerns Over Electoral Roll Revision
The SIR process has become a major political issue in several states.
Shivakumar has questioned the use of Forms 6, 7 and 8 during electoral-roll revision. He said the process could create difficulties for sections of the population that may face challenges in completing administrative procedures.
He has particularly raised concerns about disadvantaged and less-literate citizens. According to him, the electoral system should ensure that eligible voters do not lose their voting rights because of procedural difficulties.
Karnataka Also Seeks More Time
Shivakumar has said he previously requested additional time from the Election Commission for the revision process in Karnataka.
He has also called for the state’s electoral data to be reviewed comprehensively. According to the Chief Minister, the focus should remain on ensuring that eligible voters are included in the final electoral rolls.
Meanwhile, the broader debate over SIR continues across several states, with political parties presenting different views on the process and its possible impact on voters.
Debate Over SIR Continues
The Election Commission has faced increasing scrutiny over the SIR exercise and its internal decision-making.
Opposition leaders have raised concerns about voter rights and the handling of electoral-roll revisions. On the other hand, the Election Commission has maintained that its decisions follow the applicable legal and institutional framework.
Therefore, the current debate involves both procedural questions and political disagreements over how electoral-roll revision should be conducted.
Focus on Voter Rights
Shivakumar has framed his concerns around the right of eligible citizens to vote. He has said the issue should not be viewed through the interests of any single political party.
At the same time, he has called for a wider discussion of the SIR process, including in Parliament. He has also said that electoral data should be reviewed to ensure that eligible voters are not excluded.
The controversy is expected to continue as political parties and the Election Commission debate the process, voter verification and the management of electoral rolls.