Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R Ashoka has alleged that nearly 10 lakh illegal Bangladeshi nationals are residing in Karnataka and said the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is necessary to remove fake and duplicate voters.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Ashoka strongly defended the SIR exercise scheduled to begin in Karnataka from June 20, covering more than 5.55 crore voters across the state.

He stated that the revision process aims to identify duplicate entries, deceased voters and ineligible names in electoral rolls to ensure free and fair elections.

Calling the exercise essential for democracy and national security, Ashoka claimed that illegal immigration has become a serious concern in Karnataka.

“There are around 10 lakh illegal Bangladeshi nationals in Karnataka,” he alleged, adding that he was prepared to personally identify areas in Bengaluru where such individuals were allegedly residing.

Ashoka further claimed that undocumented migrants were also working in large numbers in coffee plantation regions of Chikkamagaluru district and Kodagu district, apart from temporary settlements in parts of Mahadevapura in Bengaluru.

Expanding his remarks to the national level, the BJP leader alleged that more than two crore illegal Bangladeshi nationals were residing across India, particularly in states such as West Bengal, Assam and Bihar.

He also referred to recent police action in Bengaluru, claiming authorities had identified around 250 illegal Bangladeshi nationals and handed them over to security agencies for deportation procedures.

Responding to objections raised by Congress leaders, including Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Ashoka accused the state government of ignoring “ground realities for political reasons”.

At the same time, he clarified that the SIR exercise was not targeted against any religion, caste or community and stated that all eligible Indian citizens would continue to retain their voting rights.

Ashoka added that representatives from Congress, BJP and JD(S) would participate in the voter revision process to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Special Intensive Revision exercise is expected to become a major political issue in Karnataka ahead of upcoming elections and local body polls