Karnataka Government in Dilemma Over Use of Voter Lists for Local Body Polls

Amid preparations for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections in Karnataka, the state government has fallen into a serious dilemma regarding the use of voter lists. While the State Election Commission (SEC) will take the final decision, the government's opinion will also be significant. As this decision is entirely political in nature, it could lead to a major political controversy in the state.

The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department has already issued the reservation matrix notification for Zilla Panchayats and Taluk Panchayats. The government hopes that the State Election Commission will announce the election dates in January. Currently, the primary question is whether to use the new voter list prepared by the Election Commission of India (ECI) following the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR).

After completing the SIR process, the Election Commission of India published the final voter list, from which approximately 1 crore voters' names have been removed from the state. Following the removal of such a large number of names, the state government is uncertain about using this new list. Detailed discussions on this issue were held in the state cabinet on Thursday.

Regarding the cabinet discussions, a senior minister stated that arguments are being made within the government that the 'INDIA' alliance is opposing the SIR list and demanding its cancellation. If the Congress-ruled state uses the post-SIR list in local elections, it could create an embarrassing situation. Furthermore, the Congress high command may not approve of this idea.

On the other hand, the same minister warned that if opposition parties such as the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) intensify their campaign on the sanctity and reliability of the voter list, it could affect the credibility of a Congress victory. Using the old list, from which 1 crore names have been removed, could also be embarrassing. Additionally, the possibility of the opposition approaching the court on this matter cannot be ruled out.

During the post-cabinet briefing on Thursday, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Ishwar Khandekare admitted that detailed discussions took place regarding the SIR and ministers shared their views, but no final decision has been reached yet. He said, "There is still confusion over whether to consider the post-SIR list or not. Although the State Election Commission will decide, they will seek our opinion, and we will provide our inputs then."

Minister Khandekare further stated that the state government has allocated the necessary funds to the State Election Commission for the purchase of ballot boxes. Meanwhile, the by-election to be held in Hiriyur following the demise of former minister D. Sudhakar will be the first election in the state conducted after the completion of the SIR process.

According to a report by The Hindu, the government is currently in a position where any decision could prove risky, as there is opposition from the alliance on one side and the fear of legal battles or campaigning by opposition parties on the other.