Karnataka SIR: D.K. Shivakumar Flags 1.08 Crore ASDDO Voters, Seeks More Time for Claims and Notices
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state and seeking additional time and procedural safeguards to prevent the exclusion of genuine voters.
According to a statement circulated by the Chief Minister’s Office, more than 1.08 crore electors in Karnataka have been marked under the ASDDO category, while around 43 lakh electors are likely to receive notices over logical discrepancies.
Shivakumar requested the Election Commission of India to extend the period for filing claims and objections so that eligible voters excluded from the draft electoral roll have sufficient time to submit their claims.
He also sought directions to the Chief Electoral Officer to implement the prescribed procedure fully, including conducting Gram Sabhas in rural areas and Ward Committee meetings in urban areas with adequate publicity.
The Chief Minister requested that voters receiving notices for logical discrepancies or the absence of a link to the 2002 electoral roll be given at least three to four weeks to respond and submit the necessary documents.
He further urged the Election Commission to increase the number of Electoral Registration Officers and, if required, District Election Officers to handle the large volume of claims, objections and applications and minimise the possibility of errors or wrongful exclusions.
The Karnataka government is prepared to assist the Election Commission by mobilising the local administration for Gram Sabha and Ward Committee meetings, undertaking public outreach and providing logistical and coordination support, the statement said.
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