‘Big conspiracy’: Shivakumar targets BJP, EC over ‘50 lakh’ voter deletion forms

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, October 1, 2026: The Karnataka government on Thursday stepped up its allegations against the BJP and the Election Commission over the alleged bulk filing of Form 7 applications seeking deletion of names from electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said he and his Cabinet colleagues would remain at the office of Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumar until an FIR is registered and an inquiry ordered into the alleged irregularities.

“I won’t leave his office until an FIR is filed,” Shivakumar said at a press conference in Bengaluru.

Displaying Form 7 applications containing pre-filled voter details, Shivakumar alleged that the forms had been submitted in bulk by BJP leaders and workers to seek deletion of names from the electoral rolls. Form 7 is used to file objections seeking deletion of a voter’s name.

The Chief Minister alleged that the exercise was part of a “criminal conspiracy” to remove eligible voters, particularly those belonging to minority, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. He further alleged that pre-printed Form 7 applications had been supplied to BJP leaders and workers from Delhi.

“As per our information, at least 50 lakh Form-7 applications have been printed,” he claimed, adding that the state government would have the allegations investigated by the police.

Shivakumar also claimed that JD(S) leaders had submitted Form 7 applications in some cases.

He cited several instances to support his allegations, claiming that individual BJP leaders and workers had submitted between 70 and 200 applications. According to him, one Anil Thomas submitted 84 forms, Vijay 92, Sriraksha 78, Yashodha 38 and Srinivas 36.

The Chief Minister also cited figures from several constituencies. He said more than 15,000 Form 7 applications were submitted in Vijayapura, including 1,634 in Bableshwar, represented by Industries Minister M B Patil. He said those applications were later withdrawn after officials warned that they could not be accepted.

In Bijapur City, he claimed that more than 14,000 applications were submitted and subsequently withdrawn. In Bhalki, represented by RDPR Minister Eshwar Khandre, 3,244 applications were allegedly submitted by BJP and RSS workers.

Shivakumar further claimed that 10,000 applications were submitted in the Narsimharaja constituency in Mysuru, 6,250 in Mudigere, 7,561 in Bellary City and 9,500 in Bellary Rural.

Khandre alleged that a BJP worker named Jagannath had submitted 241 Form 7 applications in a single day in Bidar, calling it evidence of a pre-planned effort.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge also alleged that large numbers of Form 7 applications containing pre-printed voter details were being distributed.

Later, Shivakumar and six other ministers reached the office of the Chief Electoral Officer and demanded registration of an FIR. They also asked Anbukkumar to speak to the concerned deputy commissioners in districts where bulk applications had allegedly been submitted.

According to the government, Anbukkumar sought two to three days to examine the matter, saying that he did not have executive powers to register an FIR and would need to obtain legal opinion. Shivakumar, along with other ministers and KPCC president, however, remained at the premises demanding action.

Reports of alleged bulk filing of Form 7 applications have emerged from several Karnataka constituencies during the SIR process. The Election Commission has said applications seeking deletion are subject to verification, while officials have warned that people submitting applications without evidence could face legal action.