Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition R. Ashok on Thursday questioned Congress leaders over their opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka, alleging that the exercise would expose illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in the state.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Ashok claimed that over 10 lakh Bangladeshi nationals were living in Karnataka. “If anyone doubts it, I am ready to take them and show them,” he said. He alleged that large numbers of Bangladeshis were residing in areas such as Mahadevapura, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu coffee estates.
Referring to a recent deportation drive, Ashok said Bengaluru Police had spent nearly ₹65 lakh to fly around 250 Bangladeshis to the border for deportation. He maintained that the SIR process would help identify illegal residents and ensure only genuine voters remain on the electoral rolls.
“Those who possess valid identity documents need not fear. Congress, BJP and JDS agents are present at every booth, so it is impossible to remove names of eligible voters,” he said.
Ashok accused Congress of depending on “illegal votes” and alleged that the party feared losing political support if the SIR exercise was implemented effectively. He also referred to similar voter verification exercises in West Bengal and claimed that BJP and Hindu organisations had not opposed deletion of names there.
On fuel prices, Ashok defended the Centre, saying petrol and diesel prices had risen globally due to war-like conditions. He claimed fuel price hikes in India were comparatively lower than in several other countries.
He also accused the Karnataka government of repeatedly increasing prices and taxes, including on milk, electricity, water and bus fares. Ashok said BJP, if voted to power, would simplify property tax payments and resolve issues related to A and B khata systems.
