Karnataka CM Demands ECI Probe into Bulk Form-7 Submissions
Why in news?
Karnataka's Chief Minister has demanded a thorough inquiry by the Election Commission of India (ECI) into allegations of BJP workers filing bulk Form-7s to remove names from draft voter rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Key points
- Three FIRs have been filed in Karnataka concerning bulk submissions of Form-7s (requesting deletion of voter names).
- The Chief Minister alleges a 'criminal conspiracy' to disenfranchise voters, particularly from minority, SC, ST, and OBC communities.
- The Chief Minister plans to lead a delegation to the Chief Electoral Officer to demand a probe.
- The issue is compared to a past 'Aland voter fraud case'.
Background & context
Form-7 is a form used in India for objecting to or requesting the deletion of names from electoral rolls. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process undertaken by election commissions to update and correct voter lists. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Form-7 is used for deletion of names from voter rolls in India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Salient features of the Constitution of India, federalism, centre-state relations, role of ECI. Governance.