Bengaluru: A political row has erupted in Bengaluru after Congress leaders accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of distributing political pamphlets during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the act could undermine public confidence in the neutrality of the Election Commission’s exercise.

According to Congress workers, BJP’s Booth Level Agents (BLAs) were seen distributing pamphlets carrying photographs of senior party leaders in the Jayanagar area while accompanying Election Commission officials during the revision process.

Congress files complaints

The pamphlets reportedly featured Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, Jayanagar MLA C.K. Ramamurthy and former Jayanagar corporator Govind Naidu.

Former Jayanagar MLA Sowmya Reddy and Congress worker S. Mayur lodged complaints with local revenue officials as well as the Tilaknagar and JP Nagar police stations, alleging political interference in the voter verification process.

They are yet to file a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Alleged violation of election norms

Congress leaders argued that while Booth Level Agents are permitted to accompany Election Commission officials during the SIR exercise, they are not authorised to distribute political publicity material.

In his complaint, Mayur stated that the pamphlets could mislead voters into believing that the official electoral roll revision was being facilitated by BJP leaders rather than the Election Commission.

He contended that the voter revision process should remain impartial and free from political influence or publicity.

BJP levels counter-allegations

The BJP, however, rejected the allegations and accused the Congress of engaging in similar activities.

Party leaders claimed that Chamarajpet MLA B.Z. Zameer Ahmed had also distributed publicity material during the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

The allegations and counter-allegations have intensified the political confrontation between the two parties ahead of the completion of the voter roll revision process. No official statement has yet been issued by the Election Commission regarding the complaint