YSRCP alleges mass voter deletions in Andhra Pradesh SIR process
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders on 17 June alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Andhra Pradesh is being systematically misused to delete Opposition voters from the rolls, targeting party sympathisers ahead of future elections.
Key Allegations
Party leader and former Minister Sake Sailajanath, speaking at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli, described the ongoing SIR as a 'flawed exercise,' claiming the ruling coalition is deploying the MyTDP app to facilitate large-scale voter deletions. He said the party had already submitted a formal representation to the Chief Electoral Officer raising concerns over voter data collection and potential misuse through the app.
Sailajanath recalled that during the earlier Seva Mitra exercise, nearly 30 lakh YSRCP votes were allegedly targeted for deletion, but were reportedly protected through legal intervention. He drew parallels with developments in Bihar, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, alleging that similar attempts are now unfolding in Andhra Pradesh.
Ground-Level Concerns in Anantapur
The former minister claimed that field verification in parts of Anantapur district is being conducted under the direct influence of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders. He further alleged that the MyTDP app has been included in official communication groups used by government functionaries — a charge that, if verified, would raise serious questions about the neutrality of the revision process.
Other YSRCP Leaders Weigh In
Former Deputy Chief Minister Amjad Basha and former MLA S. Raghurami Reddy separately alleged that the SIR exercise is riddled with errors and is aimed at removing Opposition sympathisers from the electoral rolls. They questioned the authenticity of the 2002 voters' list being used as a reference document, noting that it reportedly does not carry the name of the sitting MLA.
'The names of my family members and villagers are missing from the voters' list, though we are staying in the same house. This shows the exercise is flawed and has a hidden agenda,' Raghurami Reddy said, according to reports. The leaders alleged that villages and mandals with strong YSRCP presence are being disproportionately targeted.
YSRCP's Demands and Warning
Sailajanath demanded that the Election Commission of India (ECI) ensure a transparent and impartial SIR process, prevent leakage of voter data, and uphold constitutional voting rights. He warned that if the Commission fails to respond adequately, YSRCP is prepared to launch a 'democratic movement' to protect voters' rights.
The Election Commission had not issued a formal response to these allegations as of the time of reporting. With electoral rolls directly shaping voter eligibility, the outcome of this dispute could have significant consequences for the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh.