Karnataka Voter Roll Row Erupts: Shivakumar Alleges 'Big Conspiracy' in SIR, Claims Form-7 Misuse

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday alleged a “big conspiracy” in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming that Form-7—used for objecting to voter entries—was being systematically misused to manipulate voter lists in the state. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar, a senior Congress leader, demanded transparency and accused unidentified officials of acting with political motives.

The SIR process, mandated by the Election Commission of India, is intended to clean up voter rolls by removing dead, shifted, or duplicate entries. However, opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns that the exercise could disenfranchise legitimate voters, particularly in minority and marginalised communities. Shivakumar’s allegation centres on Form-7, which allows for objections to inclusions; he claims it is being weaponised to target specific demographics. The Election Commission has not yet responded to the specific charge, but has previously asserted that the SIR is being conducted impartially.

The controversy threatens to further polarise Karnataka’s political landscape ahead of local body and general elections. While the BJP has dismissed similar allegations in the past as baseless, civil society groups have called for independent oversight of the SIR. The Election Commission is expected to issue a clarification, and any proven misuse could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Incisor News will update this story as responses emerge.