3 FIRs over bulk Form-7s in Karnataka, CM demands ECI probe; BJP response
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has demanded an ECI probe into allegations that BJP workers are filing bulk Form-7s to delete voters from electoral rolls. The state police have already registered three FIRs regarding the incident, which the CM describes as a criminal conspiracy targeting marginalized communities.
Why it matters
This highlights potential systemic vulnerabilities in electoral integrity and voter registration processes in India.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has demanded a ‘thorough inquiry’ by the Election Commission of India (ECI) into what he alleged was ‘BJP workers’ filing Form-7s in bulk seeking deletion of names of people who have made it to the draft voter rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
The Karnataka Police have filed three FIRs — two in Belagavi and one in Bhalki — over submission of Form-7s in bulk.
Sources said that more FIRs are likely to be filed.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru with seven of his cabinet colleagues on October 1 afternoon, he announced that he will lead a delegation to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Karnataka shortly to lodge a complaint, and will not leave the premises till a probe is ordered.
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