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Karnataka Declaration at anti-SIR protest calls for SIR extension and voter-list reforms
During an anti-SIR protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, the Confederation of Progressive Organisations of Karnataka issued the Karnataka Declaration. The declaration calls for extending the SIR process and appeal periods from three to six months, establishing voter assistance centers in all gram panchayats and wards, and independently revising voter rolls to create a state-wide list through the State Election Commission. It also proposes public consultation steps, including gram sabha and ward sabha meetings after drafting the list.
Why It Matters
The declaration outlines governance changes for voter registration and public participation in the SIR process, potentially affecting electoral administration in Karnataka.
Timeline
1 Event
Karnataka Declaration issued at anti-SIR protest
April 23, 2026
At an anti-SIR protest held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, the Confederation of Progressive Organisations of Karnataka issued the Karnataka Declaration. The declaration urged the state government to extend the SIR process period and appeal period from three months to six months, to set up voter assistance centres in all gram panchayats and wards to assist people in the process. It also called for the state to independently revise voter rolls and prepare a proper State voter list through the State Election Commission, rather than relying solely on the Central list, and to convene gram sabha and ward sabha meetings after preparing the draft list, where the list must be presented publicly, corrections reviewed, and the final list prepared.