Karnataka CM Shivakumar in a fix Not only alleging, proving also part of the responsibility
Introductory note:
Few days ago, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar along with MLAs and others held a protest in the capital alleging that large number of applications under Form 7 were filed by individuals seeking removal of votes in the ongoing process of Special Intensive Revision (SIR). His allegation was that it was intentional and targeting to remove Muslim voters from certain constituencies. There was nothing wrong in making an allegations but proving it also the responsibility of those who made allegations.
Analytical view/ Analysis:
Form 7 is one of the forms prepared by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under which any can submit application – requesting including or deleting of any name in the existing voters list. The applicant must mention his epic card number, mobile number or mobile number of a relative along with the reason for the request – death, under age, absent/ permanently shifted, already enrolled (elsewhere) or not an Indian Citizen.
One should also make a declaration and the declaration is here as it is – ‘I hereby declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief that I am aware that making a statement or declaration which is false and which I know or believe to be false or do not believe to be true, is punishable under Section 31 of Representation of Peoples’ Act, 1950 (43 of 1950), with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or both.’ It should be signed with date and place.
There is not limit for any individual on the number of applications one can submit. “Amid allegations and counter-allegations traded between TMC and BJP in West Bengal over Form 7, the Election Commission of India has clarified that any registered voter within a specific constituency could submit any number of forms. The Commission said there is no limit on how many forms an individual can submit. However, to prevent misuse of the process, if a person files more than five objections will trigger a mandatory review by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to ensure the legitimacy of the claims,” said All India Radio in a report.
Here three things are clear – first is that there was nothing wrong in filing Form 7 as the ECI itself giving right to register objections. Second is there was no limit for submitting From 7 applications but if there are more than five application from single individual, ERO must review it. Third, one is that the ECI can take action against those who submitted false applications, as the applicant is aware that any false information is punishable and he submits a declaration in this regard.
Now coming to the issue, on October 1st, DK Shivakumar along with his cabinet colleagues staged a daylong protest before the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO’s) office in Bangaluru demanding criminal action against bulk filing of Form 7 applications during SIR. Responding over this, the CEO V Anbukkumar directed Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to take action against those who filed false claims or objections over deletion of votes under From 7.
Rural Development Minister Eshwar Khandre alleged that 36 people, most of them BJP workers, had filed Form 7 applications seeking deletion of 3,244 voters in his Bhalki constituency in a single day. He said that one person had filed 241 pre-printed forms.
Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra challenged Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to prove his allegation that the BJP conspired to delete around 50 lakh voters’ names through Form-7 applications. He said that if Shivakumar cannot prove, he should resign as CM.
Now it was the turn of the Shivakumar and Congress party prove these allegations with proof, that the BJP aimed at removing 50 lakh votes in the state. If not he would remain as a laughing stock among the public.
News at a Glance:
BJP tells Karnataka CM to prove Form 7 charge or quit.
ECI issues clarification on Form 7
https://newsonair.gov.in/eci-issues-clarification-on-form-7-procedure-amid-tmc-bjp-controversy/
ECI orders probe into Form 7 fraud