HYDERABAD: It is a rather peculiar irony but one that exists here. There are many individuals who exercise their franchise in the Legislative Assembly elections in Hyderabad and vote in the Lok Sabha and local body elections in Andhra Pradesh.
When asked by Deccan Chronicle, many were candid while admitting about this dual voting status that they enjoy.
Surendra, a resident of Bachupally, said “We are ‘settlers’ and will participate in the Assembly elections. Being natives of Andhra, I utilise my voting rights in the local and Lok Sabha elections in my hometown. When individuals like Anil Kumar Yadav, who reportedly has four votes under his name, why shouldn't we have this privilege?”
Bhargav from Guntur said that as they reside in Hyderabad, they can cast their votes here. “We find it fair enough to use our voting rights in the city where we live. As we pay taxes in Telangana, we shouldn't be compelled to cast our votes only in Andhra Pradesh.”
Rambabu, a techie, said “I hail from Andhra Pradesh, where my family has been voting in the Lok Sabha elections for generations. I reside in Hyderabad and I have registered myself as a voter here.”
Swati from Nizampet said "Every eligible individual should vote in the place where he or she resides. There is nothing wrong if we participate in the Assembly elections here.”
Efforts by Deccan Chronicle to reach election commission and GHMC officials for clarity on the dual voting system did not yield any responses.
