How did BJP workers get pre-publication voter list draft, wonders Eshwar Khandre

Hassan: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Wednesday alleged that the BJP was attempting to undermine democratic and constitutional principles by using Form 7 applications to seek deletion of eligible voters from electoral rolls.

Speaking to reporters in Hassan while on his way to Chikkamagaluru, Khandre alleged that BJP workers were submitting 250 to 300 pre-filled Form 7 applications in various Assembly constituencies to have voters perceived to be supporting the Congress removed from the electoral rolls. He termed the alleged practice a serious offence.

Questioning how BJP workers had obtained the draft electoral roll before its official publication, Khandre said the Election Commission was still conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and had not yet published the draft electoral rolls. “How did the pre-publication draft reach BJP workers? There appears to be a systematic and organised conspiracy behind this,” he alleged, calling for a comprehensive investigation. He also questioned how the applicants had obtained details of voters and submitted Form 7 applications claiming that eligible voters were either not residing at their addresses or had died. “How did they get this data?” he asked.

On the drought situation, Khandre said the State Government had released Rs. 25 crore to grow fodder and ensure that there was no shortage of feed for livestock amid inadequate rainfall.

He said former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had provided Rs. 117 crore in advance to address drinking water problems in rural areas. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had now provided Rs. 189 crore for each rural Assembly constituency, taking the total funds available for drinking water-related works to Rs. 306 crore. Therefore, there was no shortage of funds for drinking water, he said.

On recruitment through the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), Khandre said the recruitment process should be transparent and that eligible and meritorious candidates should get employment opportunities. He said the government had already initiated an inquiry into the matter and would ensure justice for eligible candidates.

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