Bengaluru, June 30 -- As Special Intensive Revision (SIR) commenced in Karnataka, state Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) was functioning as "puppets" under political pressure from the Centre rather than acting independently.

Speaking to reporters, Kharge targeted the poll body for pushing ahead with the exercise without replying to the state Cabinet over their demands.

"We have raised 12 objections to the way SIR is conducted. We were expecting the CEC to reply. Unfortunately, they have not responded. We will see what to do. The CEC and the Election Commission are puppets in the hands of the government. It is clear that the govt has no popular vote among the people, so they want...