BJP MLA urges cooperation for electoral roll revision, slams Congress

BJP MLA Prabhu Chauhan urged the public to cooperate with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He called it a 'purification' of the voter list and slammed the Congress party for making 'baseless allegations' against the exercise.

Former Karnataka Minister and BJP MLA Prabhu Chauhan on Tuesday urged the public to cooperate with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls starting from today, while slamming the Congress party for making "baseless allegations" against the exercise.

'Provide Complete Details To Your BLO'

Addressing the media, Chauhan stated that the process is a necessary step toward the "purification" of the voter list and clarified that it is being conducted by an independent institution. "From June 30, the SIR process has started in the state. I have a request to the people of Karnataka. Your Booth Level Officer (BLO) will come to your house and give you two forms. You must provide complete details of your family. You must give full information. For that, you should cooperate and not create problems," Chauhan said.

Chauhan Slams Congress' 'Baseless Allegations'

Hitting back at the Congress for accusing the Central government of interference, the BJP leader reminded the ruling party in the state that the Election Commission functions independently. "Congress is accusing the central government. Why? Because this central government does not have our institution here. The Election Commission conducts elections; it is an independent institution. Today, there is a Congress government here. This is the first time under Congress' rule that SIR is happening. We are not doing it; the institution is doing it. But Congress is making baseless allegations," he asserted.

Chauhan alleged that the Congress is worried about the "cleaning" of the voter list because it would identify migrations and remove fraudulent entries. "Only those who are anti-BJP and anti-Modi make such accusations. But this is very good work. It will identify who is where and who has migrated elsewhere. This is a purification of the voter list. The voter list is being cleaned. They have to come forward. They [fraudulent voters] won't stay at Congress houses; they will fall at Congress houses. That is why Congress is worried," Chauhan claimed.

Drawing a parallel with illegal immigration issues in other parts of the country, the former minister said the process would address concerns similar to those seen in West Bengal. "In West Bengal, there was illegal immigration from Bangladesh. If there are problems like that, this process will address them. Congress just wants to oppose for the sake of it. That is their only job. That is why Congress is spreading false news," he added.

ECI's Special Intensive Revision

Reiterating his appeal to the citizens, Chauhan said that since BLOs are government staff, there should be no reason for opposition. "In Karnataka, BLOs have been appointed in all schools. When the government is doing its work, why is there opposition? Because of this SIR, everyone will benefit. The people have awareness, and the people understand," he further added.

Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase-III across 16 States and three Union Territories, covering over 36 crore electors in a phased manner. For the states of Karnataka, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Delhi, the qualifying date is October 1. The draft roll will be published on August 5, with claims and objections from August 5 to September 4. The notice phase and disposal will conclude on October 3, and the final electoral roll will be published on October 7. (ANI)

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