Thinkers and activists in Karnataka have strongly opposed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, labelling the exercise as 'undemocratic' and 'unscientific'. In a joint letter, they highlighted that a majority of those removed from the voters list belong to minority, Dalit, Adivasi and other marginalised communities.
Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement
The letter, signed by several prominent intellectuals and civil society members, argues that the SIR process lacks transparency and due process. It notes that the deletions disproportionately affect vulnerable sections, potentially disenfranchising thousands of voters ahead of crucial elections.
Demand for Review
The signatories have called for an immediate halt to the revision and a thorough review of the deletions. They urge the Election Commission to ensure that no eligible voter is removed without proper verification and opportunity for redressal.
The development comes amid growing debate over electoral rolls in Karnataka, with opposition parties and rights groups raising similar concerns. The state election authorities have defended the SIR as a routine exercise to clean up duplicate and ineligible entries.
