BLOs must go door-to-door, not gather voters in groups": JD(S) MLC Bhojegowda over SIR irregularities
Bengaluru, July 6
Janata Dal MLC SL Bhojegowda on Monday alleged BLOs were conducting "group enumeration" at community halls instead of mandated door-to-door verification.
Speaking with ANI, He cited videos released by HD Kumaraswamy from Tippu Nagar as evidence and demanded an inquiry into the alleged "irregularities" in the SIR process in Karnataka.
"Our party leader, Kumaraswamy, has shared videos about what is happening in the name of SIR in Ramanagara. BLOs have to go to the doorstep of every voter and gather details, not gather voters in groups. There should be an inquiry into this. This is the reason JD(S) and BJP are meeting the Chief Electoral Officer today," he said.
Kumaraswamy, along with BJP leaders Pralhad Joshi, R Ashoka, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and others, arrived at the Office of the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer over the alleged lapses in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise in the State.
Earlier on Saturday, Kumaraswamy alleged that the SIR exercise in various constituencies, including Yeshwanthpur and Ramanagara, was being conducted under direct political influence rather than following Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has asserted that the government will not interfere in the procedure and claimed that the Opposition is "worried" by the large-scale awareness being created by the administration.
"The government will not interfere in the SIR process. The Opposition is worried because the government is creating awareness about the process on such a large scale. Around 45 million (4.5 crore) people have obtained caste and income certificates. They have been given the facility to download these certificates online. The Opposition only wants poor people and minorities to face difficulties," Shivakumar said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What's the big deal? If people come to the hall voluntarily, it's faster and easier for everyone. Door-to-door takes forever in our crowded neighborhoods. Just make sure the data is accurate, that's all that matters.
This is exactly why we need transparency in every election process. Group enumeration opens door to manipulation. And DK Shivakumar's comments about "poor and minorities" seems like a deflection. Focus on the irregularities, not playing victim card.
As someone who worked in election oversight in the US, I can say that even small procedural deviations like this can cascade into larger trust issues. The EC must investigate these claims thoroughly, whether from JD(S) or anyone else. Democracy depends on clean rolls.
I live in Ramanagara and I can tell you, the BLO rarely comes to our street. Maybe they came once last year. If they are doing group enumeration now, at least they are doing something. But yes, proper door-to-door verification is the mandate. No shortcuts please.
Shivakumar says 4.5 crore people got caste/income certificates online. That's impressive, but does that mean the SIR process is flawless? Two different things. JD(S) and BJP are right to question the method, but they should also present concrete evidence, not just videos.
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.