SIR: 'Language Split' for Enumeration Forms Triggers Debate
In the rest of Telangana, enumeration forms will be distributed strictly in Telugu.
Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India’s decision to distribute voter enumeration forms in English for the residents of Hyderabad district and Telugu in the rest of Telangana has triggered a massive debate, with questions over the neglect of Telugu in the state capital.
“So, as per the Election Commission, Telugu people are a minority in the state capital of the Telugu-speaking state of Telangana? What is the Chief Minister doing? Telangana politicians should learn something to protect their identity from Tamil Nadu politicians,” posted M.A. Ashraf Ali on X.
Political activist D. Sitaram found the decision lacking transparency. “Enumeration forms only in the English language mean ‘No Transparency’ and ‘No Accountability’ in protecting democracy,” he noted. Some people from other districts, too, demanded that English forms be made available to them. “There is a huge non-Telugu population outside Hyderabad as well,” argued Chander.
“Why should English enumeration forms be available only in GHMC? Urban and semi-urban voters across Telangana, including Karimnagar, deserve the same convenience. Many voters, youth, and migrants are more comfortable with English for official documentation,” said Ehtesham Ulhaq.
On June 21, CEO C. Sudharshan Reddy said the pre-filled voter enumeration forms will be available in English within the GHMC area and in Telugu throughout the remaining districts of Telangana. In the GHMC area, the exception was made following representations from political leaders, including AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, who noted that English is widely used for administrative work and preferred by a cosmopolitan population in the capital region. In the rest of Telangana, enumeration forms will be distributed strictly in Telugu.
