Karnataka to Issue Permanent Residence Certificates as BJP Questions Their Use

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced that the state government will issue permanent residence certificates (PRCs) to support the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He said the Election Commission requires multiple supporting documents, including proof of residence, and that PRCs will also help students who need caste details for competitive exams. Parameshwara rejected BJP allegations that the certificates are being given to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, noting that citizenship is a national matter and the state cannot grant it.

At a ceremony in Mysuru honoring MLC R. Raghu Kautilya, BJP leaders accused the Congress‑led Karnataka government of conducting a parallel voter‑enrolment drive by issuing PRCs to ineligible and illegal Bangladeshi voters. Opposition leader R. Ashoka claimed the move protects the Congress vote bank and warned it could mirror West Bengal’s experience after the SIR exercise.

The deputy chief minister also said sub‑registrar offices will remain open on Sunday to speed up e‑Pouthi and property‑title services.