Mysore/Mysuru: State BJP Spokesperson M.G. Mahesh has demanded the immediate arrest of KPCC Spokesperson M. Lakshmana, accusing him of misleading the public and making irresponsible statements regarding deletion of voters from the electoral rolls.

Addressing a press meet at BJP Office in Mysuru yesterday, he alleged that Lakshmana’s claim that 8.6 lakh voters were removed from Karnataka’s electoral rolls through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process to favour BJP was baseless.

Mahesh also dismissed Lakshmana’s allegation that 43,000 Muslim voters had been deleted from Narasimharaja Assembly Constituency voter list. “There is no evidence for such a claim. Is he the Election Commission himself?” he asked.

Clarifying the SIR process, he said voters whose names appeared in electoral rolls up to 2002 need not submit fresh documents and that the revision process is carried out by Government staff, not political parties.

Questioning his claims, Mahesh asked: “Where are these 43,000 Muslims supposedly removed from NR voter list? Which country do they belong to?”

Accusing Lakshmana of misleading the public and shielding infiltrators, he alleged that such statements amounted to betrayal of the nation. Mahesh urged the Home Department and the Election Commission to take immediate action against him.

He said the BJP would lodge an official complaint against Lakshmana for allegedly trying to disturb communal harmony.

NEET exams, gold buying

Commenting on the alleged NEET examination paper leak, Mahesh said the incident had caused anxiety among students and parents. He claimed vested interests were behind the leak and said the Union Government would ensure a thorough investigation and take steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on reducing fuel and gold consumption, Mahesh accused opposition parties of spreading misinformation.

He said the PM’s appeal was aimed at reducing imports and protecting economy, as excessive fuel and gold imports weaken the rupee against the dollar.

Heritage buildings

Meanwhile, former Mayor Sandesh Swamy, who was present at the press meet, said Devaraja Market and Lansdowne building are not officially listed as heritage structures.

According to official records, only the temples atop Chamundi Hill and Varahaswamy temple in Palace premises are recognised as heritage sites, he said and added that only a small portion of Devaraja Market dates back to the royal era, while the remaining sections were constructed in later decades.