NDA Alleges Irregularities in Karnataka Electoral Roll Revision, Seeks Probe and Re-Verification

A delegation of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders on Monday submitted a formal complaint to Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar , alleging large-scale irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding an immediate inquiry along with mandatory door-to-door re-verification of all enumeration forms.

The delegation, comprising Union Ministers H.D. Kumaraswamy , Pralhad Joshi , and Shobha Karandlaje , along with Karnataka Opposition leaders R. Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy , met the Chief Electoral Officer and urged strict legal action against officials and political functionaries found responsible for any violations.

In their complaint, the leaders alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were not adhering to Election Commission guidelines that require house-to-house verification of voters during the revision exercise. They claimed that enumeration forms were being filled at community halls, mosques and other centralised locations instead of through direct household visits, and alleged that WhatsApp groups were being used to facilitate the process.

According to the NDA, such practices undermine the purpose of the SIR exercise, which is designed to ensure accurate, updated and reliable electoral rolls by adding eligible voters, removing duplicate or ineligible entries, and correcting existing records. The alliance argued that any deviation from the prescribed procedure could compromise the integrity of voter lists and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

The controversy has intensified in recent days, with BJP and JD(S) leaders accusing the ruling Congress government of diluting the revision process and facilitating enrolment through mass camps rather than individual verification. They have also expressed concerns that procedural lapses could affect the credibility of future elections.

However, no official inquiry has so far confirmed the allegations. Election authorities have maintained that the revision exercise is being conducted under established guidelines. Following complaints, Chief Electoral Officer Anbukumar recently directed officials to ensure that BLOs carry out door-to-door distribution and verification of enumeration forms in accordance with Election Commission norms.

The house-to-house phase of the Special Intensive Revision began on June 30 and will continue until July 29. As political scrutiny intensifies, the issue has brought renewed focus on electoral transparency, voter-list accuracy and public trust in the election management process.