Opposition leader claims SEC breached poll norms with voter card printing

R. Ashok, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, has accused the State Election Commission of circumventing established electoral norms to facilitate irregularities in the forthcoming Greater Bengaluru Area polls. According to Ashok's allegations, the SEC printed approximately 90 lakh voter identity cards in Bengaluru at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore following the announcement of Special Intensive Revision by the Election Commission of India.

The timing of the printing, according to Ashok, represents a procedural violation that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. The opposition leader contends that such large-scale printing of voter cards after the announcement of the Special Intensive Revision creates scope for irregularities in voter identification and registration during the polls.

The State Election Commission has categorically denied the charges levelled by Ashok, rejecting the allegation that it breached electoral protocols. The SEC's response suggests a dispute over the appropriateness and legality of its pre-poll administrative actions.

The row highlights tensions over electoral management procedures in Karnataka ahead of the Greater Bengaluru Area elections, with the opposition questioning the SEC's adherence to Election Commission guidelines. The matter underscores ongoing scrutiny of poll preparation processes in the state.