{"id":12275,"date":"2026-04-24T18:44:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T13:14:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/?p=12275"},"modified":"2026-04-26T18:51:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T13:21:17","slug":"sir-is-a-democratic-massacre-karnataka-declaration-demands-halt-to-voter-purge-as-6-5-crore-citizens-struck-off-rolls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/?p=12275","title":{"rendered":"\u2018SIR is a Democratic Massacre\u2019: Karnataka Declaration Demands Halt to \u2018Voter Purge\u2019 as 6.5 Crore Citizens Struck Off Rolls"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\u2018SIR is a Conspiracy Against Democracy\u2019: Karnataka Declaration Adopted at Massive Bengaluru Rally<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bengaluru, April 23, 2026<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A broad coalition of people\u2019s organizations and secular political parties from across Karnataka gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru today to issue a sharp condemnation of the Centre\u2019s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The gathering, which saw thousands of participants, adopted a joint resolution titled the\u00a0\u201cKarnataka Declaration\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0, warning the central government of a fierce political and legal battle ahead.<\/p>\n

The declaration alleges that the SIR process is a deliberate weapon designed by anti-constitutional forces to undermine India\u2019s democratic framework.<\/p>\n

\u201cSIR is an Axe to Democracy\u201d \u2013 Protesters Reject Central Authority<\/h3>\n

The convention began with a united rejection of the central government\u2019s electoral revision drive. Speakers accused the ruling party of using administrative mechanisms to manipulate electoral rolls for political gain.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSIR is a major weapon in a deep conspiracy by anti-constitutional forces to kill our country\u2019s democracy. This convention unequivocally rejects it,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0the declaration states.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Chant:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cYSR Tologali \u2013 Prajatantra Uliyali\u201d (Abolish SIR \u2013 Let Democracy Survive)<\/em><\/p>\n

Bihar Warning: Opposition\u2019s Silence Called a \u201cMajor Setback\u201d<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

However, the declaration reserved its sharpest criticism for opposition parties that remained silent after the results were declared.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOpposition parties that raised a huge cry about \u2018vote theft\u2019 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,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0the resolution read.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Chant:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cYSR Viruddha Dhrida Sankalpada Jothe Horadona\u201d (Let us fight against SIR with firm resolve)<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\u0caf\u0cb8\u0ccd. \u0c90. \u0c86\u0cb0\u0ccd \u0caa\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0c9c\u0cbe\u0ca4\u0c82\u0ca4\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0ca6 \u0ca8\u0c97\u0ccd\u0ca8 \u0c95\u0c97\u0ccd\u0c97\u0cca\u0cb2\u0cc6: \u0cec.\u0ceb \u0c95\u0ccb\u0c9f\u0cbf \u0cae\u0ca4\u0ca6\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0cb0 \u0cb9\u0c95\u0ccd\u0c95\u0cc1 \u0c95\u0cb8\u0cbf\u0ca6\u0cc1\u0c95\u0cca\u0c82\u0ca1 \u0cb8\u0c82\u0c9a\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc1 \u0ca7\u0cbf\u0c95\u0ccd\u0c95\u0cb0\u0cbf\u0cb8\u0cbf \u0cab\u0ccd\u0cb0\u0cc0\u0ca1\u0c82 \u0caa\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0c95\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cb2\u0ccd\u0cb2\u0cbf ‘\u0c95\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cbe\u0c9f\u0c95 \u0c98\u0ccb\u0cb7\u0ca3\u0cc6’ \u2013 ‘\u0c92\u0c82\u0ca6\u0cc1 \u0c93\u0c9f\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0ca8\u0cc2 \u0cac\u0cbf\u0ca1\u0cc1\u0cb5\u0cc1\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0cb2\u0ccd\u0cb2, \u0cac\u0cc0\u0ca6\u0cbf\u0c97\u0cbf\u0cb3\u0cbf\u0caf\u0cb2\u0cc1 \u0cb8\u0cbf\u0ca6\u0ccd\u0ca7’ \u0c8e\u0c9a\u0ccd\u0c9a\u0cb0\u0cbf\u0c95\u0cc6<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Solidarity with Bengal: \u201cWe Stand with the People of Bengal\u201d<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe 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 \u2018vote next time.\u2019 This naked massacre of democracy is condemned with extreme pain and outrage,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0the declaration said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The convention pledged unwavering support to the people of Bengal.<\/p>\n

Chant:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cNavidd\u0113ve Navidd\u0113ve \u2013 Bangalada Janara Nimma Jothe Navidd\u0113ve\u201d (We are with you \u2013 we stand with the people of Bengal)<\/em><\/p>\n

National Concern: 6.5 Crore Voters Affected<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWithout 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,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0the convention resolved.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Chant:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cAvalokana Illada YSR Navu Oppuvudilla\u201d (We will not accept SIR without a proper review)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018Not a Single Vote Will Be Removed\u2019: Karnataka\u2019s Red Line<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cKarnataka 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 \u2018trespasser\u2019 \u2013 not ours,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0the declaration warned.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Chant:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cOndu Ottannu Biduvudilla \u2013 Nimma Aata Nadayudilla\u201d (We won\u2019t let a single vote go \u2013 your game will not work)<\/em><\/p>\n

Six-Point Demand to the State Government<\/h3>\n

The declaration goes beyond mere protest. It calls upon the Karnataka state government to take six concrete legal and administrative actions \u2013 including appealing to the judiciary \u2013 if the Centre tries to impose the SIR process without fundamental changes.<\/p>\n

1. Extend the Timeline:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSince 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

2. Establish \u2018Voter Assistance Centres\u2019:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCentres must be set up in every Gram Panchayat and ward to help people navigate this complex process.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

3. Issue Documents Quickly:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIf people lack proper documents, officials must be strictly ordered to issue \u2018Residence Certificates\u2019 and \u2018Caste Certificates\u2019 swiftly, without harassing citizens.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

4. Independent State Voter List:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cDo not rely on the Centre\u2019s revised SIR list. Instead, the state government must request the State Election Commission to independently revise the electoral rolls and prepare a proper \u2018State Voter List.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

5. Public Gram Sabha Review \u2013 The Key Demand:<\/strong>
\nThis was highlighted as the most crucial point. The declaration invoked the Election Commission of India\u2019s own\u00a0\u2018Manual on Electoral Rolls\u2019 (December 2023)<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 specifically\u00a0Para 11.2.4(vi) and Para 24.1.2<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 which mention public verification of draft rolls.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Final Warning: \u2018We Will Take to the Streets\u2019<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe, all gathered here, will fight shoulder to shoulder to defeat the SIR conspiracy. If our demands are ignored and our people\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Final Chant:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cHoradona Horadona \u2013 YSR Solisuvat\u0101naka Horadona\u201d (Fight, fight \u2013 keep fighting until SIR is defeated)<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2018SIR is a Conspiracy Against Democracy\u2019: Karnataka Declaration Adopted at Massive Bengaluru Rally Bengaluru, April 23, 2026\u00a0\u2013 A broad coalition of people\u2019s organizations and secular political parties from across Karnataka gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru today to issue a sharp condemnation of the Centre\u2019s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The gathering, which saw thousands […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12276,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[198],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bengaluru"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":50,"today_views":0},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12275","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12275"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12275\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12277,"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12275\/revisions\/12277"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12276"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12275"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12275"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/indianow.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12275"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}