The number of Form 7 applications objecting to the proposed inclusion or seeking deletion of names from Karnataka’s electoral rolls rose by 19,376 between October 4 and 8, taking the cumulative total since June 16 to 110,654, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) announced on Friday.
The spike comes as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls enters its final phase. 22 October is the last day for the disposal of claims, objections and notices, and the final roll is scheduled for publication on 27 October.
Form 7 is the mechanism for voters to contest the addition of a name or demand the removal of an existing name from the roll. The recent surge has raised concerns that some groups may be submitting bulk forms to arbitrarily delete names from a particular community during the revision process.
The CEO’s press note also reported that 43,82,315 notices had been generated across Karnataka, with 43,73,745 delivered as of 9 October. A total of 40,88,099 hearings have been completed, leaving 2,85,646 pending, with the last hearing scheduled for 12 October. District‑wise details of claims and objections, including Forms 9, 10, 11, 11A and 11B, have been published on the CEO’s website. As of 9 October, Karnataka had 4,51,61,393 electors, comprising 2,24,03,422 men, 2,27,55,113 women and 2,858 third‑gender voters.
