CM D.K. Shivakumar Raises Concerns Over Bulk Voter Deletion Applications

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has raised concerns over the alleged bulk filing of Form 7 applications seeking deletion of voters from electoral rolls. He submitted a representation to Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukkumar along with Cabinet colleagues and Congress leaders, seeking an investigation into complaints that voter details and EPIC numbers were being used in large numbers of deletion applications. Shivakumar questioned how such forms were prepared, printed and distributed.

The Election Commission has directed Electoral Registration Officers across Karnataka to initiate legal proceedings against applicants who knowingly make false statements or declarations in Forms 6, 6A, 7 and 8, after an inquiry under Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The CEO has also issued directions concerning deletion requests based on death or duplicate entries. The FIRs registered in connection with complaints will be investigated through the appropriate authorities. The allegations regarding organised misuse of Form 7 remain subject to investigation and official verification.