‘My Vote, My Right’ delegation meets CEO V. Anbukumar, raises alarm over transparency, exclusion risks, and legality of Special Intensive Revision
Bengaluru: In a significant development ahead of the proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a coalition of civil society groups under the banner My Vote, My Right met Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar, raising serious concerns over the transparency and inclusiveness of the ongoing voter roll mapping exercise.
The delegation, comprising around 20 members from trade unions, women’s groups, domestic workers’ unions, and human rights organisations, alleged that the current process could lead to large-scale exclusion of eligible voters, particularly from marginalised communities.
Mapping Progress Acknowledged, Accuracy Questioned
During the meeting, the CEO informed that out of 5.57 crore electors in Karnataka, around 4.46 crore have been mapped so far. However, he admitted that the process may not be fully accurate and that clarity would emerge only after the enumeration phase begins.
Officials indicated that unmapped voters could receive notices, raising concerns about potential disenfranchisement.
“Some of the mapping may not be accurate. We will know more only after the next phase begins,” the CEO stated during the interaction.
Concerns Over Transparency and Exclusion
The group expressed dissatisfaction with the response, stating that their concerns regarding exclusion of voters and lack of clarity on procedures remained unaddressed.
They alleged that the mapping exercise is being conducted in an opaque manner without public disclosure of protocols, timelines, or safeguards.
Demand to Halt SIR Implementation
The delegation strongly opposed the rollout of SIR in Karnataka, arguing that it should be suspended until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on pending legal challenges related to the exercise.
They claimed that similar exercises in other states have led to errors such as wrongful deletions, duplicate entries, and misclassification of voters as deceased.
Key Questions Raised by Civil Society
The group submitted a detailed memorandum questioning:
- The legal basis of linking voter rolls to older databases
- Criteria for identifying “logical discrepancies”
- Safeguards against wrongful deletion of voters
- Lack of public awareness campaigns
- Impact on migrant workers and women voters
They also raised concerns about alleged large-scale deletions in other states, particularly affecting vulnerable groups.
Allegations of ‘Mass Disenfranchisement’
The coalition warned that the SIR process, if implemented without safeguards, could result in mass disenfranchisement of the working poor, women, Dalits, Adivasis, and minority communities.
They emphasised the need for a transparent, accountable, and inclusive electoral revision process.
Officials Yet to Provide Detailed Clarification
The CEO maintained that further clarity would be provided only after the official notification of SIR is issued, citing procedural limitations.
This response has further intensified concerns among civil society groups, who are now demanding greater engagement and accountability from election authorities.
Debate Intensifies Ahead of Electoral Revision
With Karnataka preparing for upcoming electoral processes, the issue has sparked a wider debate on electoral integrity, voter rights, and administrative transparency, placing the spotlight firmly on the functioning of voter roll revisions.
