The Congress in Karnataka on Thursday raised concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the process could lead to the removal of a large number of eligible voters from the voters’ list.

Addressing the media, KPCC Media and Communications Department Chairman and MLC Ramesh Babu claimed that nearly 20 per cent of the state’s 5.40 crore registered voters could face deletion from the electoral rolls. He alleged that the exercise was being misused to target voters perceived to be supporting the Congress.

Ramesh Babu said the party had submitted multiple complaints and representations to the Election Commission, urging authorities to ensure that no genuine voter is deprived of the right to vote.

According to him, names are being considered for deletion under categories such as voters being unavailable, deceased, registered at multiple locations or having shifted residences. He claimed that the number of voters facing deletion had increased in recent days.

He cited Bengaluru’s K.R. Puram Assembly constituency as an example, alleging that around one lakh voters had been marked as absent without proper verification by Booth Level Officers.

The Congress leader questioned the voter verification process, stating that several people who had changed addresses or whose details did not match older electoral records were allegedly not provided with enumeration forms.

He further claimed that more than one crore voters could ultimately be affected if the process continued without adequate safeguards. He accused the BJP of attempting to weaken the electoral base of opposition supporters, a charge denied by the ruling party.

Ramesh Babu also criticised BJP leaders for supporting the Election Commission’s actions and alleged that the poll body had not adequately responded to the concerns raised by the Congress.

Demanding immediate intervention by the Election Commission of India, he called for an extension of the deadline for submitting enumeration forms and urged authorities to ensure that no eligible citizen is removed from the electoral rolls.

He added that the party would consider legal action if its concerns were not addressed.

KPCC Graduates’ Cell President Nataraj Gowda and former Bengaluru Mayor Ramachandrappa were also present during the press conference.