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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar alleged that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls was aimed at reducing SC
May 15, 2026: D K Shivakumar on Friday alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was being implemented to “cut” the votes of Scheduled Castes, backward classes and minorities. The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister said the ruling Indian National Congress would ensure that the voting rights of these communities are protected.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, said the party was actively educating its leaders and workers about the SIR process announced by the Election Commission of India. The poll body on Thursday rolled out Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision across 16 states and three Union Territories, including Karnataka, covering nearly 36.73 crore voters.
Shivakumar claimed the purpose of the exercise was to target SC, backward class and minority voters, but asserted that the Congress would work to safeguard every eligible voter. He also urged leaders from other parties, including the BJP and JD(S), to ensure that all legitimate voters remain protected during the revision process.
The final electoral roll for Karnataka is expected to be published on October 7. Meanwhile, several organisations and opposition groups have criticised the SIR exercise, describing it as “undemocratic and unscientific” and alleging that it could lead to genuine voters being excluded from the electoral rolls.