Karnataka CM demands electoral probe over bulk Form-7 complaints

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday escalated the political confrontation over electoral irregularities, declaring he would spearhead a delegation to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer to lodge a formal complaint. The CM's intervention follows the filing of three separate FIRs related to bulk Form-7 submissions, raising questions about voter registration procedures in the state. Shivakumar indicated his determination to remain at the CEO's office until authorities agree to initiate a comprehensive probe into the matter, signalling the Congress government's resolve to pursue what it characterizes as electoral violations. The move comes as a sharp political challenge to the ruling dispensation's handling of electoral administration. The BJP has already responded to the allegations, though details of their counter-position remained unclear. The controversy centres on Form-7, a critical electoral document used in the voter registration process, with critics alleging irregularities in how bulk submissions were processed. The incident underscores mounting tensions between political parties in Karnataka over electoral procedures and governance, with the CM's personal intervention indicating the seriousness with which the government views the allegations. Electoral officials have yet to respond formally to the claims.