BJP functionaries submitted pre-filled Form-7 applications to delete Muslim voters, alleges KPCC spokesperson

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KPCC spokesperson M. Lakshmana addressing a press conference, in Mysuru on Friday. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) spokesperson M. Lakshmana has alleged that BJP booth-level agents (BLA2s) submitted pre-filled Form-7 applications in bulk seeking deletion of the names of Muslim voters from the electoral rolls.

Displaying copies of several Form-7 applications at a press conference in Mysuru on Friday, Mr. Lakshmana alleged that most of the forms, bearing the names of Muslim voters from different parts of Mysuru, were submitted by BJP BLA2s to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) on September 23, the last date for filing claims and objections.

“Thousands of such Form-7 applications have been submitted by BJP functionaries at the behest of their party leaders. We do not know how many names have been deleted by the BLOs based on these applications,” he said.

After the disposal of claims and objections, the final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on October 27.

Mr. Lakshmana alleged that the forms submitted by BJP functionaries contained handwritten details of the applicants, while the names of the Muslim voters whose deletion was sought were printed. He said this raised questions about the possible involvement of election officials.

“How can these BJP functionaries get access to Form-7 applications containing pre-filled, printed names of Muslim voters if the Election Commission of India is not involved?” he asked.

Mr. Lakshmana also shared a copy of a letter written to election officials by Rudrappa, a BJP BLA2, who reportedly admitted to submitting the Form-7 applications citing “lack of complete information”.

Mr. Rudrappa had apparently submitted applications seeking deletion of the names of 21 Muslim voters in Jayapura in the Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency. He subsequently withdrew the applications, Mr. Lakshmana said.

Former Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) corporator Syed Hasrathulla, who was also present at the press conference, alleged that his name and those of several other Muslims in his ward had been targeted for deletion by BJP functionaries.

Mr. Hasrathulla, a three-time corporator who has also lodged an FIR, said he came to know about the alleged attempt to delete the names of voters in his ward when the BLO called him for verification.

Mr. Lakshmana alleged that the BJP had attempted to delete the names of Muslim voters in connivance with election officials and called for a thorough investigation. He estimated that more than five lakh Form-7 applications could have been submitted across the State.

“Nobody knows the actual number. There are 60,000 BLOs across the State. Imagine the number even if 10 Form-7 applications had been submitted to each BLO,” he said.

Mr. Lakshmana also alleged the involvement of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and sought a probe covering senior BJP leaders in Karnataka, including Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, BJP State president B. Y. Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy.

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