Karnataka sees surge in voter deletion requests ahead of roll freeze

Karnataka recorded a significant surge in voter deletion requests just before the freezing of electoral rolls under the Special Inclusion and Removal (SIR) process. According to official data, 1,28,000 Form-7 applications—used to request removal from voter rolls—were filed during the window between the announcement of SIR and the subsequent freezing of rolls. Of these, 45,878 applications were submitted by third parties, representing 35.6% of all deletion requests filed during this period.

Third-party objections to voter registrations can be filed by any citizen challenging the eligibility of registered voters. The high proportion of such applications suggests organized efforts to challenge voter eligibility during the critical pre-roll freeze window. Among the third-party objectors, 112 individuals filed bulk applications comprising 2,254 requests, indicating coordinated action by select objectors.

The timing of these filings has drawn scrutiny from electoral observers, as they were concentrated immediately before the rolls were frozen—the deadline by which changes to voter registrations must be made before elections. This clustering of applications in the final window suggests awareness among applicants of the impending closure.

The surge underscores the contentious nature of voter roll management in Karnataka, where disputes over voter eligibility have periodically sparked debate among political parties and election observers. The Election Commission's handling of these applications and their verification process remains under watch as the state moves forward with its electoral preparations.