Belagavi: ECI officials reject BJP MLA’s request for scrutiny and deletion of 2,598 votes

I have only sought an inquiry into false entries into the electoral roll, claims Abhay Patil

Updated - September 25, 2026 08:03 pm IST - Belagavi

A file photo of MLA Abhay Patil. | Photo Credit: BADIGER PK

The Election Commission of India (ECI) officials in charge of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) have rejected BJP leader and MLA Abhay Patil’s demand for scrutiny and deletion of around 2,598 votes in the Belagavi North constituency.

M. Karthik, Belagavi city corporation commissioner and the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) has replied to the MLA’s letter, saying that there was no legal provision for bulk scrutiny or deletion of votes under the SIR process.

He, however, clarified that Booth Level Agents (BLAs) could file objections to the inclusion of doubtful electors through the concerned Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

In a letter dated September 19, Mr. Patil had alleged that BLAs from his constituency had identified over 2,598 suspected bogus voters. He had submitted details of the suspected voters, along with their part numbers and booth numbers, and sought scrutiny of their entries.

B.K. Hariprasad, MLC and KPCC chairman, had objected to Mr. Patil’s move, arguing that the MLA had no locus standi to write to SIR officials seeking bulk deletion of voters. He alleged that the BJP MLA was targeting Muslim voters to further his prospects in the next election.

‘Not seeking bulk deletion’

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Friday, Mr. Patil said he had not sought bulk deletion of voters.

“I have not asked for deletion of the names of any elector. I am only asking SIR officers to conduct an inquiry, look into allegations of inclusion of bogus voters, scrutinise Forms 6 and 7 submitted by suspect voters and delete their names if found false. I am not only an MLA, but also Booth Level Agent No. 1 for my constituency. I have a right to do so. I also have a responsibility towards ensuring clean elections and a duty to express solidarity with BLA 2 and my other associates who have gone door to door to trace bogus voters,” he said.

Mr. Patil said that Deepak Patil, the BLA 2, and his team had identified some bogus voters and filed objections through Form 7 with the respective BLOs. “However, the BLOs had not acted on those objections. I wrote the letter only to remind them of their duties. Along with my letter, I have submitted proof of all objections filed by the BLAs in my constituency,” he said.

Mr. Patil also denied Mr. Hariprasad’s allegations. “I know the rules well. I am a four-term MLA and I am only exercising my right,” he said. He added that he would appeal to the ECI if his objections were not considered by local SIR officials.

Published - September 25, 2026 06:29 pm IST

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