YSRCP demands transparency in Andhra Pradesh electoral roll SIR exercise
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has formally written to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Andhra Pradesh, demanding complete transparency in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. The letters, sent on 7 May from Amaravati, call for digital access to voter data and full disclosure of Booth Level Officer (BLO) details across all Assembly constituencies.
What YSRCP Has Demanded
YSRCP General Secretary and MLC Lella Appi Reddy wrote three separate letters to the CEO, each addressing a distinct concern. He requested that recognised political parties be provided constituency-wise and booth-wise voter lists in a searchable digital format, along with complete BLO details — including names, polling station or part numbers, designations, and contact information.
Appi Reddy argued that making such data available would improve transparency, coordination, and accountability in the electoral process, particularly during voter list revision, claims, objections, additions, deletions, and migration verification.
Concerns Over Alleged Voter Deletions
The YSRCP leader expressed serious concern over alleged illegal deletion of voters, duplicate entries, and unauthorised voter transfers. He sought clarity on the procedures and safeguards being followed during the SIR exercise, stressing that no genuine voter should be denied voting rights without due process.
Notably, concerns around voter list manipulation during revision exercises have surfaced repeatedly in Andhra Pradesh's electoral history, particularly ahead of high-stakes elections. The YSRCP's intervention comes amid a broader political climate of heightened scrutiny over electoral roll integrity in the state.
Key Requests to the CEO
In a third letter, Appi Reddy requested the CEO to issue instructions to all Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) directing them to accept Form ID: BLA-2 — the form used for the appointment of booth-level agents by recognised political parties. He appealed for the immediate release of the proposed voter list for the SIR exercise in digital format, stating that the electoral roll forms the foundation of the democratic process.
He emphasised that any revision, deletion, correction, or addition of voter entries must be conducted in a transparent, fair, and accountable manner, and called on the CEO to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections.
What Happens Next
The CEO's office has not yet issued a formal response to the YSRCP's letters, according to available information. Political parties in Andhra Pradesh are closely watching the SIR process, which directly determines voter eligibility ahead of future elections. The outcome of the CEO's response could set a precedent for how opposition parties participate in electoral roll verification exercises across the state.