Bengaluru: The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Karnataka has sparked political controversy, with the Congress government facing allegations of irregularities and misuse of the verification process. A BJP delegation led by state president B.Y. Vijayendra submitted a complaint on July 3 to the Chief Electoral Officer, citing violations of Election Commission guidelines and seeking immediate action.
The party stated that the revision exercise, meant to maintain accurate electoral rolls, is being mishandled at multiple locations. BJP leaders said Booth Level Officers skipped required door-to-door checks and instead performed the work in groups at public sites under alleged political pressure.
The dispute escalated after BJP and JD(S) leaders shared videos claiming procedural lapses. Union ministers and the Leader of Opposition released clips alleging breaches of commission norms in various districts.
Opposition figures claimed verification camps were held at community halls, mosques and other venues rather than through household visits as required. They accused the process of enabling the addition of ineligible voters, intensifying the confrontation.
After delivering the memorandum, Vijayendra told reporters that the revision was not being conducted as intended. He said the Election Commission launched the exercise to clean rolls but the state government had undermined it by directing officials to work collectively in public buildings instead of visiting homes.
He further alleged that Congress legislators were influencing officials and that some forms carried photographs of party leaders, questioning neutrality. Vijayendra demanded fresh verification where violations occurred and submitted evidence to the Chief Electoral Officer.
In Kolar district, the Deputy Commissioner issued notices to several officials and Booth Level Officers after reports of collective verification at polling booths 185 to 189. The Chief Electoral Officer has reiterated that house-to-house checks are mandatory.
Similar complaints emerged in Mysuru, where residents objected to public-site verification and urged strict adherence to guidelines for transparency.
