Sunil Lohan
*If there’s a problem tomorrow,the public will question us.
*Position exists if party exists.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar today said it was the duty of a responsible government to create awareness among the public about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said,“A meeting of party leaders has been called today to protect the rights of all people of Karnataka.
Only those who fill out the application form provided by the Election Commission and return it with the required documents will retain their votes;those who do not return the form will lose their right to vote.We need to ensure that through BLAs (Booth Level Agents).”
“Quite a few issues are happening across the country due to SIR.That is why we are working to create awareness about it.
The poor and common people need to be told what SIR is.In several states,50,60, and up to 90 lakh votes are being removed.SIR is beginning in Karnataka as well,”he said.
“If you lose the right to vote,you will not be able to access any benefits.You will lose all government schemes including Gruha Lakshmi scheme funds, pensions,housing, and land.
From this perspective,the government must provide people with the necessary documents.This is the work of a responsible government.The same has been done in Kerala,”he explained.
*If there’s a problem tomorrow,the public will question us:
“Voters must submit their applications.Otherwise,they will lose their right to vote.All parties including Congress, BJP, and JD(S) are training BLAs.
My wish is that no harm should come from us or the government,and that justice should be delivered to everyone.
Winning or losing elections is a different matter.We must tell people not to lose their right to vote,”he said.
“Welfare schemes are being provided for the benefit of the poor.If scheme benefits are denied on the grounds that someone has no voting right, people will later blame us for it.The BJP may have initiated SIR,but people will question us,”he said.
*People must be made aware of SIR:
“What would rural people know about SIR?We need to make them understand.Lakhs of people,including migrant workers,have gone to Goa and many other places for their livelihoods.
When they come home,if no one is there,there will be a problem.During SIR,they get people to sign elimination applications.
There is a situation where one has to sign applications three times.If this is not done,the name will be removed from the list,”he said.
“If I myself don’t sign the application,I will lose my own vote.Even a king will lose his vote.They will simply send a notice asking you to vote in the next election.
Even Amartya Sen lost his vote this way.This should not happen. Everyone must protect their own vote,”he said.
*Position exists if party exists:
When asked whether the confusion over Cabinet expansion would be resolved, he said,”There is no confusion at all. Your party exists only if you exist.
Primarily,you and the party must be there—everything else,including position and status,comes after that.”
When asked about 8 people who drowned while going to collect shellfish in Bhatkal,he said,”In light of this incident,District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao will leave for Bhatkal.
The government will take whatever measures are needed in this case.Discussions have been held with the district administration regarding the search and rescue operation for those who are missing.”
When asked about announcing compensation, he said, “It is not time to announce compensation yet — first we must focus on saving lives.”
