VIJAYAPURA
Allegations of procedural irregularities have surfaced in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Vijayapur, with residents raising concerns that mandatory door-to-door enumeration guidelines are not being properly followed. Citizens claim the exercise is being conducted at public venues instead of through household verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
Residents allege that in several localities across Vijayapur city, enumeration activities have been held in function halls and community spaces, where voters were asked to submit or collect forms. They further claim that BLOs have not visited many households in the past week, raising doubts over the completeness and accuracy of the voter list revision process.
Another concern raised by citizens is the alleged presence of political party workers during the distribution and collection of SIR forms at certain locations. Locals argue that the involvement of political actors in what is meant to be a neutral electoral exercise compromises transparency and undermines public confidence. They have urged authorities to ensure that only authorised officials handle the process.
Similar complaints have emerged from Ukkali in Basavana Bagewadi taluk, where villagers allege that BLOs conducted enumeration activities from a government school rather than visiting homes. According to residents, they were instructed to collect and submit forms at the school premises, which they say violates prescribed Election Commission procedures.
The controversy has now reached higher levels, with Shobha Karandlaje writing to the Election Commission of India seeking an investigation into what she described as irregularities in the SIR process. She has called for strict enforcement of door-to-door verification norms, an inquiry into alleged violations, and deployment of independent observers to oversee the exercise.
The Election Commission of India has not yet issued a detailed response on the specific allegations raised. Meanwhile, residents across affected areas continue to demand immediate corrective action, insisting that electoral roll revision must be conducted transparently, fairly, and strictly according to established guidelines to maintain public trust in the democratic process.
