Karnataka SIR: Over 41.63 Lakh Notices Delivered as CM D.K. Shivakumar Backs Demand for CEC's Resignation

Karnataka’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has moved forward, with more than 41.63 lakh notices delivered to voters across the state, according to the latest data released by the Chief Electoral Officer’s office. Of the 43,82,296 notices generated during the revision process, 41,63,368 have been delivered so far, while 2,18,928 notices are still pending. The notices relate to electors whose details were placed under the “No Mapping” and “Anomalies” categories during the electoral-roll revision.

The hearing process is also underway. Officials said hearings have been completed in 28,80,882 cases, accounting for 69.20% of the notices that have been delivered. Another 12,82,486 cases are pending. The latest figures come amid a political controversy over the SIR exercise in Karnataka. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has called for the process to be scrapped in the state, saying there is a risk that genuine voters, particularly people from poorer and disadvantaged sections, could be left out of the electoral rolls.

The demand has also been linked to wider criticism of the Election Commission’s handling of the revision. Karnataka Congress leaders have backed calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign and have announced a protest against the SIR exercise in Bengaluru. These are political allegations and demands, while the Election Commission has maintained that the revision process provides voters an opportunity to establish their eligibility and submit the required documents.

As of September 25, Karnataka had 4,48,44,080 registered electors, including 2,22,55,071 male voters, 2,25,86,136 female voters and 2,873 transgender voters. The electoral authorities have also received 19,48,164 applications through different forms between June 16 and September 24. These include applications for adding names to the electoral roll, objections and deletions, and corrections to voter details.

The SIR process is now moving towards its next deadlines. The final hearing under the notice process is scheduled for October 12, while October 22 is the deadline for disposing of claims and objections. The authorities have also made available lists of voters who received notices under the “No Mapping” and “Anomalies” categories, allowing voters and political parties to check the relevant details. With more than 12.8 lakh hearings still pending, the coming weeks will be important for the completion of Karnataka’s electoral-roll revision. Voters who have received notices will need to follow the prescribed process and provide the required information within the applicable deadlines.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.