SIR in Karnataka: CM D.K. Shivakumar writes to CEC seeking extension of deadline for filing claims and objections

A day after the draft electoral rolls were published in Karnataka following the Special Intensive Revision, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has written to Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar urging him to extend the time period for filing of claims ans objections in the upcoming phase.

In his letter dated August 25, 2026, the CM cited the “alarming numbers” of over 1.08 crore names marked as ASDDO and about 43 lakh voters who are set to receive notices for logical discrepancies.

Among the main actions requested by Mr. Shivakumar is the extension of the period for claims and objections, so genuine voters excluded from the draft roll have adequate time to file claims. He has also demanded that every voter facing notices for logical discrepancies and absence of a link to the 2002 roll should get at least 3–4 weeks to respond and furnish documents.

Mr. Shivakumar has requested the CEC to direct the CEO to fully implement the prescribed procedure, including Gram Sabhas in rural areas and Ward Committee meetings in urban areas, with adequate publicity, while also increasing the number of EROs and DEOs to handle the enormous volume of claims, objections and applications to prevent errors and unfair exclusions.

“Mobility, poverty, lack of documentation or lack of information must not become reasons for disenfranchisement. The objective must be a voter roll that is accurate, trusted and, above all, one that ensures that no genuine voter is left out,” the Karnataka CM urged in his letter.