World · India Bureau
Karnataka minister clarifies remarks on SIR, denies backing controversial process
Karnataka's Congress minister Satish Jarkiholi has walked back comments praising the SIR process, clarifying he was highlighting the party's efforts to counter alleged BJP electoral manipulation. Jarkiholi stressed his alignment with party leadership and the broader Congress position.
LSN India ·
Satish Jarkiholi, a minister in the Karnataka Congress government, has issued a clarification regarding recent statements about the SIR (Special Investigation Report) process, saying his remarks were misinterpreted. Jarkiholi emphasized that he does not support the SIR procedure itself, but rather was referring to the Congress party's efforts to thwart what he characterized as a BJP scheme to remove voters from electoral rolls using Form-7 submissions. The minister's statement came after his earlier comments drew scrutiny from party observers and political commentators. Jarkiholi reiterated his unwavering support for party president Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party's official stance on the matter. The clarification underscores ongoing tensions in Karnataka's political landscape, where electoral processes and voter registration procedures have become flashpoints of partisan contention between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.