Karnataka govt conspiring to derail SIR process, alleges Prahlad Joshi

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, July 6, 2026: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday accused the Karnataka Congress government of attempting to completely derail the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls through large-scale irregularities.

Speaking to reporters after a BJP-JD(S) delegation submitted a complaint to the State Election Commission, Joshi alleged that the SIR process was being manipulated with the support of the state government. He said the delegation had lodged a formal protest seeking action against the alleged irregularities.

Joshi claimed that unauthorised WhatsApp groups had been created to circulate information related to the SIR exercise. He alleged that enumeration was being selectively carried out in certain localities, including madrasas and mosques, and that in several areas, members of a particular community were being mobilised to complete the SIR process at the booth level.

He further alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were not sharing information with Booth Level Agents (BLAs), and in many places, BLOs had reportedly refused to provide details.

The Union Minister said the BJP had earlier submitted several complaints regarding the issue and had now escalated the matter through a high-level delegation. However, he alleged that no action had been taken so far.

He also accused some BLOs of using photographs of local MLAs in publicity material, demanding action against those responsible. Joshi urged the Election Commission to cancel the SIR process wherever irregularities had occurred and conduct a fresh revision.

’Attempt to Include Bangladeshi Infiltrators’

Joshi alleged that the original objective of the SIR exercise was being compromised to facilitate the inclusion of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the electoral rolls. Referring to developments in West Bengal, he claimed that after the SIR exercise there, illegal Bangladeshi immigrants had moved to Karnataka and efforts were being made to enrol them as voters.

He also alleged that while the SIR guidelines permit mapping only immediate family relationships such as parents, authorities were allowing the inclusion of other relatives. Such irregularities, he warned, could pose a threat to national security if left unchecked.

Questioning remarks allegedly made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding deleted names in the electoral rolls, Joshi asked why such statements were being made and what their purpose was.

He further claimed that people were being mobilised in large groups to fill out SIR forms and alleged that a parallel SIR exercise was being conducted in some wards of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, which he said should be stopped immediately.

Complaint to Be Submitted in Delhi

Joshi said the Chief Election Commissioner had assured the delegation that appropriate action would be taken. He added that the BJP would soon meet the Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi to submit a detailed complaint.

Responding to a question, Joshi clarified that the party had neither accused the State Election Commissioner personally nor demanded his resignation. Instead, it had sought a fresh SIR exercise in areas where irregularities had allegedly taken place.

On allegations that Anganwadi workers serving as BLOs were facing pressure and intimidation from legislators, Joshi said the party had urged the appointment of independent officials and insisted that enumeration forms should be distributed through door-to-door visits.