Multiple apartment complexes in Bengaluru have raised concerns that purple stickers are being affixed without enumeration forms being distributed. Such inconsistencies risk compromising the accuracy and credibility of the electoral roll.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • Purple stickers placed without prior distribution of enumeration forms
  • BLOs lack proper training and face intense pressure
  • Irregularities could affect roll accuracy and election timelines

Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, V. Anbu Kumar, launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to cleanse voter rolls and improve data precision. Under SIR, two stickers are mandated: a square purple sticker confirming successful form distribution, and a circular red sticker for locked houses or required follow‑ups.

Ground Realities in Bengaluru

Residents of Banaswadi, Benson Town, as well as apartments in Bellandur and Varthur report that some Booth Level Officers (BLOs) pasted purple stickers outside flats without handing out enumeration forms, while other flats received forms but no stickers. This lack of uniformity highlights a gap in procedural enforcement.

Booth Level Officers Under Pressure

Several BLOs admitted to being “clueless” and operating under immense pressure to meet distribution targets. Both election officials and political party agents are pushing for higher percentages, especially as Bengaluru Urban lags behind other districts in Karnataka.

Potential Impact on Data Integrity

As SIR aims for over 90% coverage, such irregularities risk creating duplicate entries, incorrect addresses, or even disenfranchising voters. If unaddressed before the upcoming state and parliamentary elections, the credibility of the voter list could be seriously questioned.

Path Forward

Experts recommend immediate measures: comprehensive training for BLOs, a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) rollout, and a digital tracking system for form and sticker distribution. Additionally, a robust public awareness campaign is essential to prevent unauthorized sticker placement and to restore confidence in the electoral process.