SDPI Slams Karnataka's Gruha Lakshmi Re-Verification as 'Electoral Roll-Style' Purge

SDPI leader Abdul Majeed on Tuesday criticized the Karnataka government's re-verification process for the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, alleging that the demand for extensive documents from women beneficiaries mirrors the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The scheme, which provides financial assistance to women heads of households, is a flagship welfare program of the state government.

Majeed argued that the re-verification drive could disenfranchise thousands of eligible women, particularly those from marginalized communities, by imposing burdensome documentary requirements. He drew a direct parallel to the EC's SIR, which has faced similar criticism for potentially excluding voters. The Karnataka government has not yet responded to these allegations, but officials have previously stated that the re-verification is aimed at eliminating duplicate and ineligible beneficiaries.

The controversy comes amid heightened political tensions in Karnataka, with opposition parties accusing the government of using welfare schemes for electoral gains. If the re-verification leads to widespread exclusions, it could spark protests and legal challenges. The SDPI has demanded transparency in the process and urged the government to simplify documentation requirements to ensure that genuine beneficiaries are not deprived of benefits.