BENGALURU: The debate over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls moved beyond Delhi on Thursday as Bengaluru hosted a People’s Tribunal bringing together activists, public figures and people who claim to have been affected by the voter-list revision process.
The event at Freedom Park was led by Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, with YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and actor-activist Prakash Raj among those expected to participate. Organisers said citizens from across Karnataka would present their concerns regarding alleged deletions from electoral rolls.
The tribunal represents another stage in the growing campaign against SIR. Organisers argue that the revision process needs greater public scrutiny, particularly in cases where eligible citizens believe their names have disappeared from voter lists.
The programme was announced as a platform where alleged “victims of SIR” could speak about their experiences. According to organisers, their accounts would be heard before a wider public audience and used to draw attention to possible problems in the revision process.
Prakash Raj has been one of the prominent voices associated with the Bengaluru mobilisation. In a video message, he appealed to citizens to join the event and said people from across Karnataka would be present. Rathee also confirmed his participation and described the mobilisation as part of a fight to protect democracy.
The programme was scheduled to begin at Freedom Park, with the tribunal followed by a “chappal protest”. Organisers said the second demonstration would highlight concerns related to women’s safety and show solidarity with women who have raised allegations of harassment.
The Bengaluru event comes against the backdrop of escalating protests in the national capital. Opposition parties have been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the election machinery of irregularities connected with electoral roll revision.
The Delhi protests have also produced a legal confrontation. On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were among Opposition leaders detained during an attempt to proceed towards Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police later said three FIRs had been registered in connection with the protest, with allegations including assault on police personnel and obstruction of government work.
The police action has further intensified the political dispute. Congress has defended its protests and said it will continue raising concerns over the electoral process. Rahul Gandhi has publicly indicated that he is prepared to face additional FIRs arising from the protests.
At the centre of the dispute is the question of voter-list integrity. Opposition parties and activists say eligible voters must not be excluded through administrative errors. The Election Commission, however, has processes for claims, objections and corrections and has taken steps to address concerns raised during the revision.
The Bengaluru tribunal therefore represents an attempt by campaigners to shift the debate from political speeches to individual testimonies.
As SIR becomes an increasingly prominent national political issue, the events in Bengaluru and Delhi show how the controversy is expanding into a broader debate about electoral participation, institutional accountability and citizens’ confidence in the voting process.
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