Karnataka CEO denies ‘mass SIR’ charge, says roll revision is proceeding as per ECI norms
Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V. Anbu Kumar on Wednesday rejected allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) that the ongoing
Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V. Anbu Kumar on Wednesday rejected allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State was being conducted through “mass SIR” exercises. He asserted that the exercise was being carried out transparently and strictly in accordance with the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines and the law. Addressing a press conference on the progress of the revision, Mr. Kumar said all District Election Officers (DEOs) had been instructed to ensure that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visited every household and handed over enumeration forms directly. Complaints being examined Responding to allegations of irregularities in the distribution of forms, he said every complaint received from political parties and members of the public had been examined.
Reports had been sought from the District Election Officers concerned and forwarded to the ECI. Show-cause notices had also been issued to 35 BLOs over alleged lapses, and their explanations had been sought. “We are monitoring each and every complaint. Wherever complaints are received, enquiries are conducted and appropriate action is taken,” he said. Rejecting the allegation of widespread “mass SIR”, Mr. Kumar said isolated instances of voters collecting forms from a common location could not be construed as a violation of the ECI’s directions. Following complaints received since July 1, BLOs had once again been instructed to strictly adhere to door-to-door distribution of enumeration forms, he said. ‘No confusion’ Kumar said over 11 crore enumeration forms had been printed within nine days and supplied to BLOs on schedule.
No complaints had been received regarding non-supply of forms to BLOs, inter-district mi ups, printing defects or forms being delivered to the wrong electors, he said, pointing out that the smooth distribution reflected the transparency of the exercise. On complaints received from citizens, he said many grievances were addressed at the constituency and district levels by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and District Election Officers, and therefore did not necessarily reach the CEO’s office. BLAs can collect enumeration forms Kumar said that while the Election Commission’s guidelines require Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to distribute and collect enumeration forms during the SIR, Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by recognised political parties are also permitted to collect the filled forms from electors.
The BriefWire