Politics · India Bureau
Karnataka CM accuses opposition of destroying over 100,000 voter registration forms
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has alleged that BJP and JD(S) workers systematically withdrew and destroyed more than one lakh Form 7 applications during the electoral roll revision process. The opposition has dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated and demanded action against the chief minister.
LSN India ·
The Karnataka chief minister levelled serious charges against opposition parties on Tuesday, claiming that BJP and JD(S) workers had engaged in large-scale destruction of voter registration documents. According to Shivakumar, the opposition functionaries had first submitted the Form 7 applications in bulk before subsequently withdrawing and destroying them during the ongoing revision of electoral rolls in the state.
The allegations centre on the electoral registration process, where Form 7 applications are typically used for objections and corrections to voter rolls. Shivakumar's charges suggest a coordinated effort to manipulate voter registration data ahead of electoral processes, though specific details regarding locations, dates, and evidence supporting the claims were not immediately available.
The BJP has swiftly responded to the allegations, demanding that the Election Commission take action against the chief minister for what party officials characterised as "unsubstantiated" claims. The opposition has maintained that Shivakumar's statements lack factual foundation and represent an attempt to deflect attention from other governance issues.
The dispute underscores escalating tensions between the ruling Congress and opposition parties in Karnataka over electoral management. The Election Commission has not yet issued a statement regarding the allegations or indicated whether it intends to investigate the matter independently.