Karnataka Moves Supreme Court to Protect Voters’ Rights, Says CM Shivakumar

Mangaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said the Karnataka government had filed a petition in the Supreme Court over data related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, asserting that the right to vote was a fundamental right that needed to be protected.

“The right to vote is a right to life.

We are fighting to protect this right and will continue our struggle,” he told reporters at Mangaluru International Airport.

Shivakumar also accused BJP leaders of trying to gain political mileage by portraying an incident during a protest march involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as an insult to him.

He said Rahul Gandhi had asked him to travel in a vehicle during the march, but some media outlets and BJP leaders had presented it as an insult.

“Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were responsible for making me the Chief Minister. With their support, we are protecting voters’ rights in Karnataka.

BJP leaders are spreading misinformation to gain political mileage.

There is no need to exploit such a minor issue for political gain.

Rahul Gandhi is a leader with a sense of humanity,” he said.

On the alleged sting operation controversy and reports of arrests in connection with it, Shivakumar said he had no information.

Speaking about the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, Shivakumar said coastal Karnataka’s traditional buffalo race, Kambala, and a tableau showcasing Tulu Nadu would be part of this year’s festivities.

Several new programmes had been introduced this year, and contingents of the armed forces would take part in the march-past.

A new elephant would carry the golden howdah bearing Goddess Chamundeshwari, he added.

Shivakumar said he had promised to take Kambala to Mysuru, noting that buffaloes were brought for Dasara celebrations during the Vijayanagara period.

He also recalled his visit to Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara Temple during last year’s Dasara, saying former Union Minister B Janardhana Poojary had been inviting him to the temple during the festival for several years.

The celebrations brought different societies and communities together, he said, adding that Navaratri also offered an opportunity to showcase the region’s cultural traditions.