The BJP has alleged that names of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been included in Bengaluru's electoral rolls. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, claimed that infiltrators—particularly in the Kogilu Layout area—have illegally obtained Voter IDs, Aadhaar cards, and ration cards.

He has written to the Election Commission of India, the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka, and the Union Home Minister, placing the following demands:

A probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into this illegal activity. Finalization of the voter list only after conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR).He expressed concern that there could be approximately 20 lakh fake voters within the Bengaluru limits.

Response from Government and Election Commission

The election process is already underway, with the government completing the ward delimitation and reservation lists. The State Election Commission (SEC), which is responsible for the electoral rolls, has provided the following schedule:

January 19: Publication of the draft voter list.

Until early March: Window for filing objections, adding names, or deletions.

March 16: Target date for publishing the final voter list.

State Election Commissioner HS Sangreshi stated, "We have taken note of the complaints raised by the BJP. There is no need for concern as the voter list revision process is currently in progress. If there are any discrepancies, the public or political party agents can file objections."

The Way Forward

The BJP maintains that a normal revision will not solve the issue. They argue that since suspected fake voters already possess credentials like Aadhaar cards, a thorough investigation by specialized agencies is necessary. This standoff has raised questions about whether the elections will be held on schedule or face further delays.