The DK Shivakumar PRC drive has triggered a political battle during Karnataka’s SIR, with the BJP alleging vote-bank protection and Congress defending easier access to documents.
Karnataka PRC Drive Begins During SIR
The Karnataka government has launched a door-to-door campaign to distribute Permanent Residence Certificates and caste certificates while the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is underway. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described it as a citizen-focused programme to help eligible residents obtain essential documents without repeatedly visiting government offices.
The timing has triggered a political dispute because lawfully issued residence certificates may be considered during voter verification. The BJP and JD(S) allege that the drive could protect ineligible names on the rolls. The Congress government denies the charge, and the available reports do not establish evidence of such misuse.
Congress Defends Doorstep Certificate Campaign
Shivakumar said the initiative would simplify access to records and prevent citizens from losing rights because of missing paperwork. The government plans to print and deliver millions of digital caste certificates, while a mobile application will record Aadhaar details, phone numbers and beneficiary acknowledgements.
Many certificates have also been linked to mobile numbers, allowing residents to receive download links through WhatsApp or SMS. Citizens can reportedly access certificates free through the state portal using an RD number, ration card number or Aadhaar number, with help available at government service centres.
BJP Questions Legal Basis and Timing
BJP leaders have questioned whether Karnataka has the authority to issue Permanent Residence Certificates in the proposed form. They have demanded suspension of the exercise and warned of political and legal challenges, alleging that its timing is connected to the electoral-roll revision.
These are opposition allegations, not established findings. The controversy centres on whether the certificates are issued by competent authorities and whether the programme has any improper impact on voter verification. A certificate alone does not automatically determine voter eligibility, which remains subject to Election Commission scrutiny.
Election Commission Position Shapes Karnataka SIR Row
The SIR involves house-to-house verification and document checks. Reports quoting an Election Commission official say Permanent Residence Certificates may be accepted when lawfully issued by authorities such as tahsildars, deputy commissioners or additional deputy commissioners. The official reportedly said an executive order alone would not be sufficient.
The clarification makes the legal validity and issuing authority of each certificate more important than the political claims around the campaign. Karnataka has now become a key battleground in the wider debate over electoral-roll revision, documentation and voter eligibility. Claims that the PRC drive is defeating the SIR or shielding an “illegal vote bank” remain politically contested and unproven.
