Action Ordered Against False Declarations Under Section 31; Verification Made Mandatory Before Penalty
Special Report | Bengaluru
A major political confrontation unfolded in Bengaluru on Thursday as ruling Congress leaders staged a massive protest alleging large-scale irregularities and submission of fake applications related to the voter list. Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, ministers and legislators gathered outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office on Sheshadri Road and demanded transparency in the electoral roll revision process.
ನಿಗದಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದ ಸಚಿವ ಸಂಪುಟ ಸಭೆ ಮುಂದೂಡಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ ನಂತರ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ ತೀವ್ರಗೊಂಡಿತು, ನಂತರ ಮಾಜಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಡಿಕೆ ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಹಿರಿಯ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ನಾಯಕರು ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇರಿಕೊಂಡರು ಮತ್ತು ಕೆಲವು ಅಂಶಗಳು ನಕಲಿ ಅರ್ಜಿಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ಮತದಾರರ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯನ್ನು ಕುಶಲತೆಯಿಂದ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಲು ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸುತ್ತಿವೆ ಎಂದು ಆರೋಪಿಸಿದರು.
Allegations of Misuse of Forms 6, 6A, 7 and 8
Congress leaders alleged that forms related to voter registration and corrections — Form 6, Form 6A, Form 7 and Form 8 — were being misused in several Assembly constituencies.
They particularly raised concerns over the alleged filing of thousands of bulk applications under Form 7, which is used for objections and deletion requests in electoral rolls. The leaders claimed that such applications were being submitted without valid reasons and could affect the integrity of the voter list.
They demanded strict verification of all applications and appropriate action against those found involved in any malpractice.
Election Commission Issues Directive at 9.10 PM
Amid the growing political controversy, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka, issued an important directive at 9.10 PM on October 1.
The instructions were communicated to the Bengaluru Urban District Election Officer, all District Election Officers across Karnataka, Deputy Commissioners, BBMP zonal election authorities, and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) of all 224 Assembly constituencies.
Strict Action Under Section 31
The Election Commission directed officials to initiate legal action against individuals who intentionally submit false statements, incorrect declarations or misleading information in election-related applications.
Such action will be taken under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the directive stated.
The Commission also instructed that before initiating any penal action, officials must conduct a proper inquiry as per Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Political Debate Intensifies
The voter list issue has triggered a fresh political debate in Karnataka, with the ruling party demanding strict safeguards to protect the electoral process.
The Election Commission’s late-night directive is being viewed as a significant step towards ensuring greater scrutiny and accountability in the voter list revision process.
