Bhatkal: Concerns over the possible exclusion of lakhs of voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process were raised at a workshop held in Bhatkal on Sunday, where speakers also announced a statewide protest on April 15 against the ongoing exercise.
The workshop was organised by the local social organisation Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem in cooperation with the ‘Nanna Mata, Nanna Hakku’ (My Vote, My Right) campaign. Campaign representative Vinay Srinivas, who arrived from Bengaluru, addressed the gathering and expressed concern that the SIR process was being used to deprive lakhs of people of their voting rights.
Aishwarya of PUCL (People’s Union for Civil Liberties)—one of India’s oldest and largest non-partisan human rights organisations—also spoke on voting rights and provided detailed information on various stages of the SIR process.
The speakers explained the procedures involved in voter mapping, enumeration, publication of draft electoral rolls, filing of claims and objections, and preparation of the final list. Stressing the importance of timely completion, they urged participants to actively facilitate voter mapping in their respective areas. They also highlighted the need for accurate and comprehensive electoral rolls to ensure free and fair elections.
They pointed out several challenges in the implementation of SIR, including lack of clear guidelines, documentation-related issues, and difficulties faced by marginalised sections such as women and migrant workers. They stressed that precautionary steps must be taken to ensure that no eligible voter is left out of the rolls.
The programme was presided over by Tanzeem President Inayatullah Shabandri, while General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb M.J. Nadvi welcomed the gathering. Among those present were Yaseen Malpe of the Udupi District Muslim Okkoota and other community leaders. The event was coordinated by Mubasshir Hallare, who also delivered the vote of thanks.
Call for protest on April 15:
Speaking to the media after the workshop, Vinay Srinivas alleged that the SIR process was being used to exclude lakhs of voters and portray them as non-citizens. He announced that a statewide protest would be held on April 15, during which memorandums would be submitted to the government opposing the SIR exercise.
He further alleged that certain communities were being selectively targeted. He added that the ‘Nanna Mata, Nanna Hakku’ campaign has planned a series of awareness programmes across the state to ensure inclusion of all eligible voters in the electoral rolls. As part of this initiative, help centres will be set up and volunteers will be deployed at the booth level to ensure that no voter is left out.