1.08 Crore Electors in ASDDO Category, Shivakumar Raises SIR Concerns

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar to extend the period for claims and objections and ensure adequate time for verification during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.

In a letter to the CEC, Shivakumar raised concerns over the large number of electors placed in the Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate and Others (ASDDO) category. He said the SIR exercise had produced figures that required careful examination to prevent eligible voters from being excluded.

According to Shivakumar, Karnataka has around 5.54 crore electors, of whom nearly 1.08 crore have been classified under the ASDDO category. Following publication of the draft electoral roll on August 24, verification notices are also expected to be issued to approximately 43.8 lakh voters over logical discrepancies or the absence of a link to the 2002 electoral roll.

The Chief Minister said the situation was particularly significant in Bengaluru, where 46.88 lakh electors have been placed in the ASDDO category. He warned that genuine voters could face disenfranchisement if they are unable to complete the verification process within the available timeframe.

Shivakumar noted that voters classified as “Absent” may have been away from home for work, health or other legitimate reasons when Booth Level Officers visited their residences. Similarly, people who shifted polling stations may not have received an opportunity to submit enumeration forms at their new addresses.

He stressed that mobility should not result in disenfranchisement, particularly for poorer and marginalised citizens who frequently relocate for employment or other reasons.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared the letter on X and urged the Election Commission to act on the concerns raised.

Shivakumar said the state government was ready to support the exercise through publicity campaigns, Gram Sabha and Ward Committee meetings, and administrative coordination to ensure every eligible citizen gets a fair opportunity to remain on the electoral roll.