Mangaluru: The District Congress Committee (DCC) has announced that a division-level Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Jagrutha Samavesha will be held in Mangaluru on June 23 as part of the party’s efforts to strengthen voter awareness and safeguard the electoral roll revision process.
DCC president Harish Kumar said the convention is being organised on the directions of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and will bring together Congress office-bearers and Booth Level Agents (BLA-2) from five districts of the region. The event is expected to focus on voter enrolment, verification and measures to ensure that eligible voters are not excluded during the ongoing SIR exercise.
Representatives from five districts to participate
Addressing mediapersons in Mangaluru, Harish Kumar said Congress functionaries and BLA-2 representatives from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada and Chikkamagaluru districts will participate in the convention.
He added that similar conventions are planned in other divisions across Karnataka as part of a statewide campaign aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots network and creating awareness about the voter revision process.
According to Harish Kumar, KPCC president B K Hariprasad is expected to attend the Mangaluru convention and address party workers and representatives participating in the programme.
Focus on protecting genuine voters during SIR process
Harish Kumar said the Congress party is expanding and strengthening its BLA-2 network to ensure that no eligible voter is omitted from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision process.
He expressed concern over reports of large-scale deletion of voters in certain states where the revision exercise has already been completed. In view of these developments, Congress workers have been instructed to closely monitor the process and ensure that genuine voters retain their names on the electoral rolls.
According to him, Booth Level Agents have been directed to remain vigilant and assist in the distribution of enumeration forms to all voters to facilitate accurate and inclusive voter registration.
The party believes active participation at the grassroots level is essential to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that eligible citizens are able to exercise their democratic rights.
KPCC president’s installation ceremony on June 21
Harish Kumar also announced that the installation ceremony of KPCC president B K Hariprasad will be held in Bengaluru on June 21.
He said party leaders, block-level office-bearers and Congress workers from Assembly constituencies across Karnataka are expected to attend the programme in large numbers.
According to the DCC president, Hariprasad assuming charge as KPCC president will provide fresh momentum to the party organisation and energise workers ahead of future political activities and campaigns.
He expressed confidence that the leadership change would strengthen the party structure and enhance coordination among workers across the state.
Congress defends guarantee schemes
Responding to criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the State Government’s guarantee schemes, Harish Kumar defended the government’s actions and accused the opposition of spreading misinformation.
He questioned whether removing the names of deceased beneficiaries and income-tax payers from the Gruha Lakshmi beneficiary list should be viewed negatively. According to him, the government is merely revising beneficiary lists to prevent misuse and ensure that benefits reach deserving recipients.
Harish Kumar reiterated that the guarantee schemes would continue and referred to clarifications already issued by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar regarding the government’s commitment to the welfare programmes.
He maintained that the revision process is intended to improve transparency and efficiency rather than reduce benefits.
Congress criticises fuel and LPG price increases
KPCC former general secretary Padmaraj R also addressed the media interaction and criticised the Central Government over increases in the prices of LPG, petrol and diesel.
He alleged that commercial LPG cylinder prices had risen significantly in recent months and questioned the rationale behind fuel price increases despite a decline in crude oil prices in the international market.
Padmaraj further claimed that BJP Members of Parliament and legislators had remained silent on issues affecting common citizens, including rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures.
Demand for greater development in Dakshina Kannada
Padmaraj also expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of major Central Government projects for Dakshina Kannada district during the past two years.
He said residents of the district have high expectations from Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and expressed hope that the region would witness substantial development and receive a major boost under his leadership.
According to him, enhanced infrastructure, investment and public welfare initiatives are necessary to support the district’s growth and meet public expectations.
Conclusion
The upcoming SIR Jagrutha Samavesha in Mangaluru is expected to serve as a platform for Congress workers and Booth Level Agents to discuss voter awareness and electoral roll verification. Alongside preparations for the convention, party leaders have also used the occasion to defend the State Government’s guarantee schemes and raise concerns over fuel price increases and regional development issues.