Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar says the ongoing electoral roll revision could affect genuine voters, particularly disadvantaged sections, and demands a fresh exercise along with the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Bengaluru, Sept 2026 : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday demanded that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state be scrapped and conducted afresh, arguing that the exercise could potentially exclude genuine voters, particularly those from poor and disadvantaged sections.
Shivakumar also called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on what he described as “moral grounds”, while urging the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that every eligible citizen is able to exercise the right to vote.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said concerns surrounding the manner in which electoral rolls were being revised warranted a comprehensive review. He argued that Karnataka should not be subjected to an exercise that could leave genuine voters out of the electoral process.
“The right to vote is the right to live,” Shivakumar said, calling upon the Election Commission to protect what he described as a fundamental democratic right.
The Chief Minister had earlier sought an extension of the deadline for voters to submit claims and objections. According to reports, the draft electoral rolls published on August 24 flagged 1.08 crore of Karnataka’s 5.54 crore voters under the categories of Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate and Others (ASDDO). Around 43.8 lakh voters were also to receive notices over “logical discrepancies” linked to electoral-roll data.
Shivakumar said the large-scale revision required adequate time for voters to establish their eligibility and correct discrepancies. He has argued that, with the next Karnataka Assembly election due in 2028 and local body elections expected later this year, there is sufficient time for the ECI to ensure both accuracy and inclusion.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar reiterated his demand for Kumar’s resignation and said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had also raised concerns about protecting voting rights.
He alleged that attempts were being made in Karnataka and other states to use the electoral process for political purposes. Shivakumar referred to developments in West Bengal and Bihar while arguing that the issue should be examined across the country.
The Chief Minister also referred to reported differences within the three-member Election Commission. The Indian Express has reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded objections on several occasions over decisions concerning electoral-roll procedures, including issues related to voter registration and the SIR exercise.
Shivakumar questioned whether decisions could be imposed when members of the Commission disagreed, arguing that the autonomy of the constitutional body must not result in unilateral decision-making.
He also raised concerns over Forms 6, 7 and 8, which are used for various electoral-roll processes. Referring particularly to first-time and disadvantaged voters, he questioned whether all citizens would have adequate information and assistance to complete the procedures required under the revision exercise.
“This is not merely a matter of opinion. It is a fundamental right,” he said, adding that the matter should also be debated in Parliament.
Shivakumar further opposed any alleged pressure on officials in the name of the Election Commission and called for a comprehensive re-examination of electoral data.
“We want a fresh SIR to be conducted. Everyone should be given their rights,” he said.
The Election Commission has maintained that electoral-roll revision is part of its constitutional mandate. The ongoing controversy has nevertheless prompted demands from several Opposition leaders for greater scrutiny of the SIR process and the functioning of the poll panel.
