SIR exercise must be monitored closely, says Asghar Chulbul

Muhammad Asghar Chulbul, former chairperson of the Kalaburagi Urban Development Authority (KUDA) and National Secretary of the Interfaith Wing of the All India Milli Council, has urged minorities, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes to remain vigilant during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka, describing July as a crucial month for safeguarding the voting rights of eligible citizens.

Mr. Chulbul said the Election Commission is constitutionally empowered to revise and update electoral rolls, but maintained that no eligible voter’s name should be deleted during the exercise. He appealed to citizens to actively participate in the revision process, and ensure that their names remain on the electoral rolls.

Alleging that eligible voters among minorities and other sections were being disproportionately affected by the revision process, he called upon social organisations, community leaders and citizens committed to constitutional values to launch awareness campaigns, and assist people in completing the enrolment and verification process.

He claimed that several constituencies across the country had witnessed narrow electoral margins in recent elections, and alleged that deletion of even a small number of votes could influence election outcomes. He further alleged that the ongoing SIR exercise could adversely affect communities that traditionally voted against the BJP, and appealed for greater public vigilance.

Calling July a decisive period, he urged political workers, aspiring legislators and volunteers to coordinate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), monitor the door-to-door verification process, and deploy responsible local volunteers at every polling booth to ensure that no eligible voter was left out of the electoral rolls.

He advised citizens to fill up the enumeration form carefully, and obtain an official acknowledgement after submitting it, describing the receipt as an important record of submission.

Mr. Chulbul appealed to eligible voters, particularly minority youth, to assist neighbours, relatives and local residents in completing the revision process, and ensuring that their names remain on the electoral rolls. He said there was no need for panic, but emphasised that people should remain alert, united and actively participate in the month-long exercise to safeguard their democratic rights.