Satish Jarkiholi defends the state-level exercise, while Priyank Kharge calls attention to alleged Form 7 misuse
Two assessments emerge within the party
Different comments by Karnataka Congress leaders have brought the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls into focus. Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi has defended the exercise in Karnataka, whereas Home Minister Priyank Kharge has raised concerns about complaints from particular districts.
Jarkiholi points to groundwork and verification
Jarkiholi said the revision in Karnataka had been conducted properly, referring to the preparation and training carried out for the exercise. He said Congress had not opposed the process in the state, while distinguishing Karnataka’s experience from concerns raised about its implementation in West Bengal, Maharashtra and Bihar.
Deletions described as routine corrections
Addressing reports about around one crore names being removed, Jarkiholi said the changes largely related to voters who had died, moved away or appeared more than once in the electoral rolls. His explanation was that these were routine corrections rather than evidence of wrongful deletion.
Priyank Kharge seeks examination of complaints
Priyank Kharge questioned the alleged use of pre-filled Form 7 applications, which are used to request the deletion of names from voter lists. He claimed that applications had been submitted in bulk without sufficient verification. He also referred to complaints from Kalaburagi and Vijayapura in which living voters were reportedly listed as deceased, and called for the cases to be examined.
BJP uses the difference to challenge Congress
The BJP has pointed to the contrast between Jarkiholi’s defence of the Karnataka process and the concerns raised by other Congress leaders. The exchange adds a state-level dimension to the national debate, but the allegations about individual applications require examination by the relevant authorities.