As SIR set to begin in Telangana, people struggle to gather documents; flag concerns over voters list

With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls exercise set to begin in Telangana, a sense of urgency has gripped many residents struggling to secure the documents required to remain on the voter list, particularly those who have shifted homes over the years. As the public gears up to get themselves mapped onto the electoral database, several electors said they were encountering peculiar problems, especially those who had lived in rented accommodations and moved frequently.

The Hindu spoke to such electors who pointed out that their parents’ names were missing from the 2002 voter list, often after being deleted when they changed residences.

“We were living in Sultan Shahi. In 2001, we moved to another house in the parallel lane. After checking the 2002 list, we realised that my parents’ names are not there. We later found out that after we left, the landlord got our names deleted. So they are not on the 2002 voter list,” said Mohammed Faiz*, a 49-year-old trader with three siblings. “I am yet to figure out what to do.”

Mohammed Sulaiman Quadri*, an entrepreneur, said his parents’ names were struck off the voter list by a previous landlord, who was also a distant relative. “We found out later that both my parents’ names were removed. My father passed away around six months ago. So far, no booth level officer has come. There is a lot of concern about documents,” he said.

Some residents said local leaders had stepped in to provide clarity. “They have been helping people understand whether documents are required, and if so, which ones need to be produced when the BLO comes,” said Mohammed Kaleem*.

Those familiar with the developments noted that names of some residents who had moved before 2002 and registered afresh at new addresses, were also not reflected in the 2002 voter list. Others said that individuals who had sold their homes later found that subsequent occupants had their names deleted from the voter list. What has added to the confusion is that names of voters are recorded differently, those on the list reported.

“There is a list of documents required for the revision of the draft electoral roll. Several identity cards are accepted, such as a passport. But many people do not have one. Class X or other certificates can be submitted, if applicable,” said M.A. Akram, an activist raising awareness about the SIR process in the Hyderabad Parliamentary constituency.

Meanwhile, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has set up a network of SIR helpdesks across the city, assisting residents with mapping, document procurement, and navigating the process. “Our party’s primary unit presidents, along with constituency in-charges, have set up helpdesks. Our MLAs are also assisting the public,” said a party functionary.

(*Names changed on request)