DK Shivakumar Backs Rahul Gandhi’s SIR Campaign, Says No Force Can Silence His Voice

Bengaluru, Oct 6: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday strongly defended Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s campaign against alleged “vote theft”, asserting that neither arrest nor political pressure could silence his voice as the Opposition stepped up its criticism of the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said Mr Gandhi was fighting for the rights of the people and the electorate and would not be deterred by attempts to stop his campaign.

“Let them stop him. Let them arrest him. Rahul Gandhi will not care because he is fighting for the cause of the people and the electorate of this country,” he said.

Shivakumar said the Congress was collecting documentary evidence of alleged electoral irregularities from several constituencies and would place the findings before the Election Commission and other competent authorities.

He alleged that irregularities involving electoral forms and deletion of voters’ names had come to light in Mahadevapura and several other constituencies. Those responsible, he said, would have to explain how the forms were obtained and used.

“If the workers have given the forms, they have to tell who gave them. That also has to be investigated,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that the Congress’ concern was not limited to its own supporters and that every eligible voter, including those supporting rival political parties, must have their voting rights protected.

“It is my bounden duty to protect even their voters. We don't want to misuse any vote. No name should be deleted,” he said.

Shivakumar said the Election Commission had directed Electoral Registration Officers and taluk-level officials to follow due procedure and verify details before deleting names from electoral rolls.

He said voters whose names had been deleted could, wherever applicable, seek inclusion through Form 6, while the previous electoral rolls should also be examined as part of the verification process.

Defending Rahul Gandhi’s campaign, Shivakumar said the SIR exercise concerned the fundamental democratic right of citizens to vote.

“As Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi has a bounden duty to do his job. He is doing his job. There is nothing wrong in it,” he said.

“They cannot stop his voice, and they cannot stop my voice either,” Shivakumar added.

He said the Karnataka government had been cooperating with the Election Commission and had sought clarifications regarding the SIR process, although the Congress remained dissatisfied with certain aspects of the exercise.

“We have to protect all sections of society. Everyone should be allowed to have their vote,” the Chief Minister said.