Karnataka Cabinet flags voter disenfranchisement concerns over SIR

The Karnataka Cabinet discussed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), voicing concerns over voter disenfranchisement. Minister HK Patil cited issues in other states, vowing to protect voter rights and explore legal options, including the Supreme Court.

Cabinet Raises Alarm Over Voter Rights

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday discussed the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state, expressing concerns over voter rights and electoral transparency, with Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil highlighting issues reported in other states and the need for legal safeguards. Patil cited examples from other states while raising concerns over the possible disenfranchisement of voters. Speaking to ANI, he said, "...In West Bengal, 27 lakh voters lost their right to vote. Many more in Tamil Nadu. This undermines democracy. We are making every effort to ensure citizens are not deprived of their voting rights and feel secure. The Election Commission should be transparent and accountable..."

Withdrawal of Criminal Cases

He further said that the Cabinet also deliberated on the issue of withdrawal of certain criminal cases as part of routine administrative decisions. On this, he said, "That is a regular thing. We withdraw the cases of agitators, farmers, Kannada activists, and students. Such cases are withdrawn."

Legal Options to Protect Voters

Highlighting the government's stand on protecting voter rights, Patil added, "If any voter loses voting rights, the Cabinet has decided to restore their rights at any cost." He also noted that legal options, including approaching the Supreme Court, were discussed in the Cabinet meeting. Patil said, "We also discussed whether we can take this issue to the Supreme Court and also discussed the final voting list and rights that have to be submitted to the Supreme Court."

Party's Stance on SIR

Before the start of the cabinet meeting, Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara had said the matter was not part of the official agenda but could be taken up informally if required, adding that the government has already raised concerns over it earlier. He said, "Nothing related to the issue has come up in the official agenda. If the matter comes up informally, we will discuss the kind of inconvenience it may cause. Our party has already issued statements against SIR several times. This issue had surfaced even before the elections in five states. The doubts we had regarding SIR are now being proved correct. We will discuss how we need to remain more cautious on this matter here..." (ANI)

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