Over 1 Crore Names Cleared from Karnataka’s Draft Voter List in Major Revision

In a significant development for Karnataka’s electoral landscape, over one crore names have been eliminated from the draft voter list as part of a special intensive revision of electoral rolls. This announcement, reported on Monday, indicates a substantial drop in the number of registered voters in the state, with the latest draft roll showcasing approximately 4.4 crore voters, a stark decline from the previous 5.5 crore.

The removal of names represents about 19.4% of the state’s electorate, reflecting the rigorous efforts undertaken by electoral authorities to streamline the voter registration process. Among those removed, 65.4 lakh individuals were classified as having permanently relocated, while 12.3 lakh had passed away. Additionally, 15.1 lakh voters were marked as absent, and 7 lakh entries were identified as duplicates. A further 3.8 lakh voters fell into an unspecified “other” category, the details of which have yet to be clarified.

Notably, Bengaluru’s urban districts saw the highest number of deletions, raising concerns about voter representation in the state’s capital. V Anbukumar, the Chief Electoral Officer, has indicated that notices will be sent to approximately 43 lakh individuals whose enumeration forms exhibited discrepancies or those who had not been adequately mapped in the voter list. This proactive approach aims to address any issues and re-engage those affected.

For those who find their names missing from the revised list, the state has opened a window for claims and objections. Voters can file their appeals regarding the removal from the draft list between August 24 and September 23. The electoral authorities have assured that all appeals will be reviewed by October 22, ahead of the publication of the final electoral roll on October 27.

This revision is part of a larger initiative taking place across 16 states in India, marking the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. As the electoral landscape evolves, ensuring the accuracy of voter lists is essential for maintaining the integrity and fairness of the democratic process in Karnataka.

Source: scroll.in