Voters Slam Deletions In Sec’bad Cantonment
Many expressed anger at the Centre and Election Commission for “taking away their rights”: Reports
HYDERABAD: Four in every 10 votes from 2025 were deleted from booths 150 and 151 in Secunderabad Cantonment constituency, prompting residents to question the SIR exercise and demand restoration of their names.
At a public hearing organised by Telangana Voter Rights Forum (TVRF) at, Trimulgherry, a jury heard depositions from affected voters for over two hours and assured to take up grievances with electoral authorities.
Many expressed anger at the Centre and Election Commission for “taking away their rights”. When told to apply afresh through Form‑6, they retorted: “We have voted so many times already. How can we sign as first‑time voters? We want our existing IDs restored.”
Priya Joseph said her husband, an Army officer posted in UP, was deleted as “Untraceable/Absent” despite being a long‑time resident. “He visited in August but never received SIR forms. How can a serving soldier be untraceable?” she asked.
Lawyer K. Ganesh, 55, said his name was struck off as “Permanently Shifted” though he submitted forms duly signed by the BLO. “The Election Commission itself is violating the law. The SIR is arbitrary, nothing but NRC under another name,” he charged.
After detailed interaction, jury members declared the only remedy was to scrap the SIR. “The anger among people is striking. The only way to address injustice is to cancel the process altogether,” said Prof. Shanta Sinha.
Activist Parakala Prabhakar said propaganda that SIR was removing only ineligible voters stood exposed. “The Home Minister and CEC should watch this hearing to see the reality. The only way forward is to scrap SIR,” he demanded.
