Bengaluru Voter Rolls Face Major Changes in SIR; Five Constituencies Could See Over 50% Names Left Out
Bengaluru: The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could result in major changes across Bengaluru’s 25 Assembly constituencies, with the material available indicating that more than 50% of voters in five constituencies could potentially be left out of the rolls.
According to the figures cited, voters categorised as absent, permanently shifted, deceased or linked to duplicate IDs have been identified during the exercise. Across several Bengaluru constituencies, the proportion under these categories is stated to range between 40% and more than 50%.
Bommanahalli, represented by MLA Satish Reddy, has the highest cited proportion at 55.06%. Dasarahalli, represented by MLA Muniraju, is at 52.88%, while BTM Layout, represented by Minister Ramalinga Reddy, is at 51.86%. Vijayanagar, represented by MLA M. Krishnappa, is cited at 51.45%, and C.V. Raman Nagar, represented by MLA S. Raghu, at 51.36%.
The material further states that around 20 other Assembly constituencies, including Govindarajanagar and Basavanagudi, could have between 40% and 49% of voters falling under the identified categories. The corresponding figures cited are 48.85% for Govindarajanagar and 48.07% for Basavanagudi. Padmanabhanagar, represented by R. Ashoka, is cited at 43.54%.
However, an official quoted in the material cautioned against treating these figures as confirmed deletions, saying the numbers were based on assumptions and did not have an actual basis at this stage. The official indicated that further verification could establish that some voters had shifted or were absent.
Actor Prakash Raj, along with representatives of various organisations, approached the election authorities over the revision exercise and submitted a representation seeking a six-month extension for the SIR process.
Prakash Raj questioned why existing voters should be required to use Form 6, which is meant for new voter registration, and referred to Form 8 in cases involving a change of address. He also raised concerns over the time available for citizens to complete the exercise.
According to the schedule cited in the material, the first draft electoral roll is due to be published on August 24. Eligible voters whose names are missing from the draft will have an opportunity to apply for inclusion through Form 6 between August 24 and September 23. The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on October 27.
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