‘SIR is a Conspiracy Against Democracy’: Karnataka Declaration Adopted at Massive Bengaluru Rally
Bengaluru, April 23, 2026 – A broad coalition of people’s organizations and secular political parties from across Karnataka gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru today to issue a sharp condemnation of the Centre’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The gathering, which saw thousands of participants, adopted a joint resolution titled the “Karnataka Declaration” , warning the central government of a fierce political and legal battle ahead.
The declaration alleges that the SIR process is a deliberate weapon designed by anti-constitutional forces to undermine India’s democratic framework.
“SIR is an Axe to Democracy” – Protesters Reject Central Authority
The convention began with a united rejection of the central government’s electoral revision drive. Speakers accused the ruling party of using administrative mechanisms to manipulate electoral rolls for political gain.
“SIR is a major weapon in a deep conspiracy by anti-constitutional forces to kill our country’s democracy. This convention unequivocally rejects it,” the declaration states.
Chant: “YSR Tologali – Prajatantra Uliyali” (Abolish SIR – Let Democracy Survive)
Bihar Warning: Opposition’s Silence Called a “Major Setback”
The declaration recalled the events in Bihar, where the SIR process was implemented ahead of state elections. It alleged that the BJP used the process to capture power in the state.
However, the declaration reserved its sharpest criticism for opposition parties that remained silent after the results were declared.
“Opposition parties that raised a huge cry about ‘vote theft’ before the Bihar elections fell completely silent once the results were out. This silence has been a major setback to the entire anti-SIR movement. The convention demands that opposition parties not repeat this mistake in Karnataka,” the resolution read.
Chant: “YSR Viruddha Dhrida Sankalpada Jothe Horadona” (Let us fight against SIR with firm resolve)
ಯಸ್. ಐ. ಆರ್ ಪ್ರಜಾತಂತ್ರದ ನಗ್ನ ಕಗ್ಗೊಲೆ: ೬.೫ ಕೋಟಿ ಮತದಾರರ ಹಕ್ಕು ಕಸಿದುಕೊಂಡ ಸಂಚನ್ನು ಧಿಕ್ಕರಿಸಿ ಫ್ರೀಡಂ ಪಾರ್ಕ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ‘ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಘೋಷಣೆ’ – ‘ಒಂದು ಓಟನ್ನೂ ಬಿಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ, ಬೀದಿಗಿಳಿಯಲು ಸಿದ್ಧ’ ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆ
Solidarity with Bengal: “We Stand with the People of Bengal”
The convention then turned its focus to West Bengal, alleging that the SIR process has been weaponized there on a massive scale. According to the declaration, 91 lakh people have been removed from the voter list in the state, sparking a heroic resistance.
“The SIR python has opened its mouth to swallow Bengal. People have filed 34 lakh written appeals before the Tribunal in a short span of time. Yet, elections are being held today after pushing all these people aside, asking them to simply ‘vote next time.’ This naked massacre of democracy is condemned with extreme pain and outrage,” the declaration said.
The convention pledged unwavering support to the people of Bengal.
Chant: “Naviddēve Naviddēve – Bangalada Janara Nimma Jothe Naviddēve” (We are with you – we stand with the people of Bengal)
National Concern: 6.5 Crore Voters Affected
The declaration claimed that the SIR process has already stripped 6.5 crore citizens across 13 states of their voting rights. It warned that Karnataka and other remaining states are next in line.
“Without a comprehensive review of the havoc caused by SIR so far, and without allowing the ongoing court proceedings to conclude, SIR must not be implemented in Karnataka or any other state. We demand a stop,” the convention resolved.
Chant: “Avalokana Illada YSR Navu Oppuvudilla” (We will not accept SIR without a proper review)
‘Not a Single Vote Will Be Removed’: Karnataka’s Red Line
The declaration set a clear red line for the state. It asserted that under the universal adult franchise guaranteed by the Constitution (and championed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar), every adult citizen has the right to be on the electoral roll unless proven otherwise.
“Karnataka will not tolerate SIR being forcibly imposed upon it. We will not allow the right to universal adult franchise to be snatched away. We will not allow a single eligible voter to be removed from the rolls. Every adult citizen in the state must remain on the list. It is your job to prove that any excluded person is a ‘trespasser’ – not ours,” the declaration warned.
Chant: “Ondu Ottannu Biduvudilla – Nimma Aata Nadayudilla” (We won’t let a single vote go – your game will not work)
Six-Point Demand to the State Government
The declaration goes beyond mere protest. It calls upon the Karnataka state government to take six concrete legal and administrative actions – including appealing to the judiciary – if the Centre tries to impose the SIR process without fundamental changes.
1. Extend the Timeline:
“Since no state assembly or Rajya Sabha elections are imminent in Karnataka, hasty SIR should be avoided. The state must appeal to the judiciary to extend the process from 3 months to 6 months, and the appeal period to 6 months as well.”
2. Establish ‘Voter Assistance Centres’:
“Centres must be set up in every Gram Panchayat and ward to help people navigate this complex process.”
3. Issue Documents Quickly:
“If people lack proper documents, officials must be strictly ordered to issue ‘Residence Certificates’ and ‘Caste Certificates’ swiftly, without harassing citizens.”
4. Independent State Voter List:
“Do not rely on the Centre’s revised SIR list. Instead, the state government must request the State Election Commission to independently revise the electoral rolls and prepare a proper ‘State Voter List.’”
5. Public Gram Sabha Review – The Key Demand:
This was highlighted as the most crucial point. The declaration invoked the Election Commission of India’s own ‘Manual on Electoral Rolls’ (December 2023) – specifically Para 11.2.4(vi) and Para 24.1.2 – which mention public verification of draft rolls.
“The state must strongly urge both the ECI and the State Election Commission to follow their own manual: after the draft list is prepared, Gram Sabhas and Ward Sabhas must be convened. The draft must be placed before everyone, and corrections must be reviewed publicly before finalizing the list.”
Final Warning: ‘We Will Take to the Streets’
The declaration concluded with a stern warning to the central government, stating that the people of Karnataka will not remain silent if their constitutional rights are violated.
“We, all gathered here, will fight shoulder to shoulder to defeat the SIR conspiracy. If our demands are ignored and our people’s constitutional rights are forcibly and illegally snatched away, we will exercise our right to turn the streets into ours. We warn the central government accordingly.”
Final Chant: “Horadona Horadona – YSR Solisuvatānaka Horadona” (Fight, fight – keep fighting until SIR is defeated)
The convention ended with organizers announcing a series of follow-up actions, including public outreach campaigns and possible legal challenges, to ensure the demands of the Karnataka Declaration are met.
