CM D.K. Shivakumar Launches Karnataka's SIR Drive by Filling Enumeration Form; Urges Voters to Protect Their Voting Rights
Bengaluru, June 30: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday formally launched Karnataka’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls by filling and submitting his Enumeration Form at his official residence in Sadashivanagar, urging every eligible voter in the state to participate in the exercise and safeguard their voting rights.
The Chief Minister and his wife, Usha Shivakumar, completed the enumeration forms in the presence of Bengaluru South Deputy Commissioner Yashwanth Gurukar and election officials. Earlier in the day, the Deputy Commissioner handed over the Enumeration Form to the Chief Minister, symbolically marking the beginning of the state-wide voter verification campaign.
Speaking to reporters after submitting the form, Shivakumar said the SIR process had commenced across Karnataka and that he chose to launch the campaign from his own residence to encourage citizens to actively participate.
He said voters would have to provide the mobile number previously linked to their electoral records. Those who have changed their mobile number would be allowed to update it through Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and all future verification would be carried out through One-Time Password (OTP) authentication sent to the registered mobile number.
The Chief Minister said the process also provides an opportunity for voters to correct their names and update other personal details in the electoral records.
One Signature Can Cover the Entire Family
Shivakumar clarified that one member of a family can submit Enumeration Forms on behalf of all family members. Even if only one family member signs the forms, they will be accepted by the election authorities.
He added that voters wishing to update their photographs can submit recent passport-size photographs along with the Enumeration Form. New voters will be required to furnish proof of residence.
The Chief Minister said the Karnataka Government has already taken steps to facilitate the issuance of necessary certificates required during the voter verification process.
Offline Submission Also Available
Responding to a question on the mobile application introduced for the exercise, Shivakumar acknowledged that many citizens, particularly those unfamiliar with digital platforms, may face difficulties.
“I myself took assistance while using the application. Citizens who are not comfortable with the app can obtain the Enumeration Form from Booth Level Officers and submit it through the offline process,” he said.
Voting Rights Must Be Protected
Emphasising the importance of the exercise, the Chief Minister urged every eligible voter to complete the verification process and retain their voting rights.
He said several states have begun linking certain government welfare benefits with voter registration and cautioned that those who fail to preserve their electoral status could face difficulties in accessing government schemes in the future.
Benefits Should Reach Karnataka’s Voters
Shivakumar also defended the importance of maintaining an accurate electoral roll, stating that welfare schemes funded by the Karnataka Government are intended for the state’s residents.
“We can provide guarantees to voters of Karnataka. Why should Karnataka’s guarantees be extended to voters from other states? Our intention is that the benefits should reach only the people of Karnataka,” he said.
The state-wide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) began on June 30, with Booth Level Officers visiting households across Karnataka to distribute and collect Enumeration Forms as part of the Election Commission’s voter verification exercise.
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