Massive protest against SIR planned on November 5

Bengaluru: The Karnataka unit of the INDIA bloc has taken three key decisions at a meeting held under the leadership of KPCC president BK Hariprasad in Bengaluru on Friday, including organising a massive protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bengaluru on November 5.

The meeting, held at the Legislators’ House, decided that representatives of all INDIA bloc partner parties from Karnataka would participate in the massive protest scheduled to be held at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1. The meeting discussed the demand to scrap the SIR process, reinstate the names of eligible voters removed from electoral rolls, and seek the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Under the slogan “Save the Vote, Save the Country,” the alliance resolved to launch a coordinated campaign in Karnataka to protect the Constitution, democracy and every citizen’s right to vote. Chairing the meeting, Hariprasad said the right to vote was the foundation of democracy and that the exclusion of genuine and eligible voters from electoral rolls could not be accepted under any circumstances.

“The SIR process must be scrapped completely. Around 13 crore voters have been removed from electoral rolls across the country, and the names of eligible voters must be restored. The INDIA bloc’s clear position is that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar must resign,” he said.

Accusing the Union government of following what he described as an anti-democratic and fascist approach, Hariprasad alleged that the Election Commission, which is expected to function as an independent constitutional body, was acting in favour of a political party.He stressed the need for democratic forces to set aside their political differences and unite against any attempt to deprive citizens of their voting rights.

The meeting also decided to constitute a coordination committee comprising representatives of the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Samajwadi Party and Forward Bloc, among other alliance partners. The committee will prepare an action plan for protests across the state, extending the campaign from Bengaluru to district and taluk levels.

Hariprasad said representatives of all INDIA bloc partner parties in Karnataka would participate in the November 1 protest at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. A major protest would subsequently be held in Bengaluru, followed by demonstrations at district and taluk levels. November 5 has been fixed for the Bengaluru protest.

Leaders of the alliance parties who attended the meeting shared their views on the impact of the SIR process, alleged discrepancies in electoral rolls and strategies for the upcoming protests.They emphasised the need to bring farmers, workers, women, students, youth and various progressive organisations together to turn the campaign to protect voting rights into a mass movement.

AICC secretary Gopinath Palaniappan, CPI (M) state secretary K. Prakash, CPI state secretary Sathi Sundaresh, Samajwadi Party state president Manjappa Yadav, and leaders and representatives of CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc and other INDIA bloc partners attended the meeting.

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Bharath Anjanappa

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Bharath Anjanappa is an experienced journalist specializing in Politics and Civic issues. With over a decade (2012 till date) of writing expertise, he handles or contributes towards Bengaluru sector/area. Bharath Anjanappa has completed his graduation/post-graduation from Bangalore University (with a specialization in Finance, Marketing and HR). When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time farming. Bharath Anjanappa is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing on current political situation and Civic issues. With 12 years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres, including entertainment, crime, education and Politics. Bharath's diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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