Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday dismissed the Opposition’s accusation of his government’s interference in the ongoing SIR process in the state, and accused the BJP and JD(S) of “engaging in politics” over the issue.
He asserted that the officials involved in the SIR were working under the guidance of the Election Commission of India and said: “Let the European Commission investigate these allegations.”
The Chief Minister was responding to a delegation of NDA leaders who had lodged a formal complaint with Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, V Anbukumar, earlier in the day, alleging “large-scale irregularities” in the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in the state, and demanding an immediate probe and mandatory door-to-door re-verification of all census forms.
They also called for strict legal measures to be taken against all political officials and employees found responsible for these “violations.”
“We (Congress) have differences of opinion on how the Election Commission should conduct SIR. We have also argued about this in court. The court has passed an order, and we are going to court regarding the specific timeline. But, with an aim to protect voting rights of all, our government has cooperated with the EC to conduct the process in the state,” Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said that no one from his government is interfering in the SIR process, and the officers concerned are working under the leadership of the EC.
“We have called on people to protect their voting rights because only the right to vote can protect their livelihood. The right to vote is a right to life. We are creating awareness. The Election Commission has given an opportunity to all parties to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs), and groups and organizations are also participating in the process. The officials are implementing the SIR process as per the directives they received from the EC,” he added.
The house-to-house enumeration phase of SIR in Karnataka which began on June 30 will continue until July 29.
Pointing out that the Opposition is concerned as the government is creating awareness among people regarding the SIR process, the Prime Minister said the BJP and JD(S) have expressed disbelief towards the Election Commission.
“It is up to the EC to take a decision on their (BJP and RJD) complaint,” he said.
In the past two days, opposition parties have accused the Congress government in Karnataka of “facilitating” the inclusion of illegal immigrants through mass registration camps.
They even released videos showing alleged mass census camps being set up in place of house-to-house visits by camp-building organizations. They also accused the Congress government of “misusing” the officers and “diluting” the SIR process.
Pointing out that about 4.5 crore people have received caste certificates from the government, Shivakumar said that opportunities have been provided to download these certificates online. In addition, residence certificates are issued to eligible individuals to facilitate their participation in the SIR.
He said that only a small number would retain records dating back to when they registered their vote in 2002, and the government had provided the opportunity to download them. “The government requests all residents of Karnataka to protect their voting rights.”
Accusing the opposition of “conspiracy” to inconvenience the poor and minorities, the Prime Minister said that unnecessary allegations are being made regarding providing voting rights to Bangladeshis staying illegally here.
“Where? Which Bangladesh? You (BJP) were in power, and you should have expelled the Bangladeshis who are staying here illegally. Who said no?” he asked.
Shivakumar further claimed that those in West Bengal and Bihar, without voting rights, cannot be beneficiaries under the Food Security Act.
“Our government has given five guarantee schemes in the state to protect the livelihood of people here. We are creating awareness among people. So, I as the President, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, our ministers and legislators to protect their voting rights, have set up help desks in all booths. Instead of praising us, they are making allegations against us,” he said, adding that the Election Commission should investigate the allegations.
The Prime Minister said that there is a right to appoint BLAs under the Constitution and they may create awareness among people about SIR. “I have asked our party leaders and workers to be wary of conspiracy to snatch away the right to vote, as has happened in other states. What is wrong with that? Is it not my duty to protect the voting rights of the people? And to continue to provide the schemes and facilities of the popular government.”
“We are doing our duty. They (the opposition) are doing politics. Can we tell them not to do that? Can we tell them not to criticize? Tongues have no bones. Criticism will die, only action will remain. So despite our opposition to the SIR process, we respect the process and perform our constitutional duty to protect the voting rights of the people and we will continue to do so,” he added.
