Bengaluru: The BJP has approached Bengaluru City Police Commissioner seeking action over a protest led by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and his Cabinet colleagues at the State Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Bengaluru.
A delegation led by Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka submitted a memorandum to the police, questioning whether prior permission had been obtained for the demonstration and alleging that the protest took place on the premises of a constitutional institution. The BJP has sought police action if any legal or court-ordered restrictions were violated.
The protest, held on October 1, was linked to allegations concerning the bulk submission of Form 7 applications during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Shivakumar had sought an investigation into allegations that applications were being submitted to seek deletion of eligible voters.
Following the protest, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V Anbukkumar directed election officials across the state to investigate complaints concerning allegedly false Form 7 applications. The CEO said action should be taken against anyone found to have knowingly submitted false statements or declarations, while genuine voters should not be removed from the electoral rolls without due verification.
BJP seeks details of protest permission
The BJP has questioned who authorised the demonstration and whether written permission was granted by police authorities. The party has sought a copy of any such permission if it was issued.
The delegation also sought details of police action and security arrangements during the protest, along with CCTV footage of the incident. It questioned whether similar permission would be available to opposition parties or members of the public seeking to demonstrate at the election office.
The BJP has referred to Karnataka High Court directions governing protests in Bengaluru and alleged that the Chief Minister and ministers violated those restrictions by holding the dharna at the election office instead of a designated protest location. The allegation is a position taken by the BJP and has not been established by a court.
The dispute comes amid competing political claims over the use of Form 7 during the SIR exercise. Shivakumar and Congress leaders have alleged attempts to use the form to improperly remove eligible voters, while BJP leaders have rejected the allegations.
The police are being asked to examine the BJP's complaint and take action if any violation of applicable laws or court directions is established.
