Karnataka CM seeks CEC’s resignation, fresh electoral roll revision

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanded that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls be scrapped and replaced with a fresh exercise.

Shivakumar alleged that the ongoing revision could affect citizens’ voting rights and said the Election Commission should undertake a comprehensive review of electoral data.

“The right to vote is the right to live. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi have raised their voices in defence of the voting rights of the people of the country,” Shivakumar said.


He alleged that attempts were being made to misuse the voting rights of ordinary citizens for political purposes, and said similar concerns had emerged in West Bengal, Bihar and other states.

“Now they are trying to do the same everywhere, including Karnataka. I had also requested the Election Commission yesterday to give more time,” he said.

Shivakumar also questioned the functioning of the Election Commission, alleging differences among its members and saying decisions should not be imposed unilaterally.

“When a majority of the members do not agree with an opinion, a decision cannot be imposed unilaterally. It would be better if the Chief Election Commissioner voluntarily resigns on moral grounds,” he said.

The CM said the issue was not about protecting the electoral interests of any particular political party but ensuring that every eligible citizen retained the right to vote.

He questioned the manner in which Forms 6, 7 and 8 were being used during the revision process, and alleged that the exercise could disproportionately affect illiterate and disadvantaged sections.

“This is not merely a matter of opinion. It is a fundamental right. This is the voice of the common man,” Shivakumar said.

He called for a wider debate on the issue, including in Parliament, and opposed what he described as pressure or intimidation of officials in the name of the Election Commission.

“We want a fresh SIR to be conducted. Everyone should be given their rights. The situation must be reviewed comprehensively to ensure the right to every vote, and the electoral data must be re-examined,” he said.