DC oversees SIR drive; Joshi alleges irregularities in voter roll revision

Hubballi: Dharwad deputy commissioner R Snehal on Saturday conducted the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for Union minister Pralhad Joshi, Rajya Sabha member M Nagaraj and Hubballi-Dharwad Central MLA Prasad Abbayya.As part of the ongoing exercise, Snehal visited the residences of the three elected representatives in Hubballi, distributed enumeration forms and briefed them about the revision process.At Joshi’s residence, MLAs Aravind Bellad and Mahesh Tenginakai, MLCs Pradeep Shettar and SV Sankanur, HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr Parashuram FK and other officials were present.Joshi, Nagaraj and Abbayya submitted the required documents to the booth-level officer and furnished the necessary details.Later, speaking to reporters, Joshi alleged that the SIR process in the state had turned into an exercise resembling mass copying. He said a BJP delegation comprising Karnataka-based Union ministers and senior party leaders would soon meet the Chief Electoral Officer to highlight alleged irregularities in the process and submit supporting documents.

He alleged that SIR activities were being carried out collectively in mosques, community halls and other public places across the state. “It resembles mass copying during an examination. BLOs are indulging in irregularities without fear,” he claimed.Joshi further alleged that SIR forms were being distributed in public places like pamphlets. “Even when objections are raised, officials do not respond and instead display arrogance, saying ‘complain even to Delhi if you want’.

Such instances have been reported in Hubballi-Dharwad’s Ward No. 66, Booth No. 55 at Mullana Oni, as well as Booth Nos. 184, 185 and 186 in Savanur and at mosques in Bankapur. Photographs of these activities have been circulated on WhatsApp,” he alleged.Referring to the legal challenge to the SIR exercise, Joshi said the Supreme Court had upheld the constitutional process and there was no reason for anyone to be apprehensive. He urged officials and staff to perform their duties responsibly.He stressed that all personnel associated with the SIR exercise should visit every household and carry out the revision process properly without yielding to any pressure.Recalling an order issued in 2010, Joshi said voter names could not be deleted from electoral rolls without due process. Any additions or deletions should be based on applications submitted by individuals concerned. “We have neither demanded deletion nor inclusion of any names. Whether Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian, voters from all communities should have their details recorded accurately,” he said.