Attempt to file Form-7 by BJP workers should be considered as crime: KPCC spokesperson

Attempts made by BJP workers to file Form-7 for deletion of names from the SIR draft electoral rolls should be considered as a crime and legal action should be taken, said KPCC spokesperson and Dakshina Kannada Pradesh Congress Publicity Cell in charge Sudhir Kumar Maroli in Mangaluru on Tuesday.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Maroli alleged that BJP workers working as Booth Level Agents had submitted Form-7 in bulk for deletion of names of voters from certain communities. In some cases, BJP workers had submitted the request on the party letterhead. “Even if these applications have not been received by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), mere attempt to file such application should be considered as a crime and necessary action should be taken under Representation of People’s Act,” Mr. Maroli said.

Fearing action by election officials following protest by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar before the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, the BJP workers have started visiting the office of EROs and withdrawing the applications, he said.