Bengaluru, Oct 11 – Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra warned that the party would lay siege to police stations and district superintendents’ offices if the state government continued to register first information reports (FIRs) against party workers for submitting Form‑7 under the State Information Register (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The threat came after a core committee meeting held in the presence of state co‑in‑charge Kasam Venkatesh. Vijayendra said the discussion covered several key issues, including the SIR Form‑7, the state’s decision to allow Panchayat Development Officers and municipal commissioners to issue permanent residence certificates (PRC), by‑polls, and the upcoming Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections. The committee also resolved to appoint district in‑charges and establish election management committees in every district in preparation for the local body polls.
Vijayendra accused the ruling Congress government of creating confusion over Form‑7 and misusing police machinery to file FIRs against BJP workers who had complied with Election Commission rules. He noted that the Karnataka High Court had already criticised the state government on the matter. “If the government continues to register FIRs against BJP workers, the party will not remain silent,” he said, adding that the core committee had decided to besiege the concerned police stations.
He objected to the PRC policy, arguing that only tahsildars and higher‑rank officials should issue such certificates. Vijayendra called on the government to withdraw the decision immediately and said the BJP would write to the Election Commission to bring the matter to its attention.
With by‑elections likely to be announced soon, Vijayendra said the BJP would consult JD(S) leaders and coordinate with its alliance partner before finalising candidates. He also raised concerns over discrepancies in reservation lists for the local elections, alleging that some decisions appeared favourable to the ruling party and could delay the polls. The party’s stance on alleged sting operations and irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment was described as firm, demanding thorough investigation and punishment of those found guilty, irrespective of position.
