BRS Leader Calls for Vigilance in Telangana Electoral Roll Revision
In a significant move ahead of the upcoming elections, BRS working president KT Rama Rao has issued a stern directive to party cadre, urging them to remain highly vigilant and prevent any potential irregularities by the Congress and BJP during the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Telangana. Describing the SIR as a crucial process for the state's electoral future, KTR emphasized the need for strong coordination from the grassroots booth level upwards, involving all MLAs and constituency in-charges.
Addressing Concerns Over Electoral Misuse
During a teleconference with party leaders and cadre on Thursday, KTR highlighted the risks associated with the SIR exercise. He pointed out that controversies, debates, and allegations of power misuse during similar revisions in other states have raised serious concerns. KTR cautioned that there is a strong possibility of the ruling Congress and BJP misusing their authority to register bogus votes and manipulate the voter list in Telangana, echoing patterns observed nationally.
He elaborated on instances across the country where, under the guise of electoral roll revision by the Election Commission, lakhs of opposition votes were reportedly deleted in several states by the BJP. Additionally, KTR reminded party members of the recent Jubilee Hills byelection and municipal elections, where Congress allegedly benefited by adding bogus votes to the voter list. These examples underscore the urgency for BRS to take proactive measures.
Protecting Votes and Ensuring Integrity
KTR stressed that every single vote must be protected at the booth level, urging BRS cadres not only to safeguard their own votes but also to ensure that no fake or ineligible voters are added to the rolls. He explained that the SIR process is meant to correct errors in the voter list and facilitate the registration of new voters, making it an opportunity for party workers to identify and remove bogus voters on a booth-by-booth basis effectively.
To equip party members with the necessary skills, KTR announced that the BRS would organize training programmes for booth level agents. He warned that the SIR exercise in Telangana might begin within a week to 10 days and could be completed swiftly, necessitating immediate preparations focused on:
- Voter list verification
- Corrections to existing entries
- Enrolment processes for new voters
By taking these steps, KTR aims to ensure that the electoral roll revision in Telangana is conducted fairly and transparently, free from the alleged malpractices seen elsewhere. The call to action reflects the BRS's commitment to upholding democratic principles in the face of potential challenges from rival parties.
