Central Minister Criticizes Congress and BRS Over Voter List Revision Process
Minister's Critique of Political Parties
On Friday, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy expressed his disapproval of the Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) for opposing the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) process. He accused both parties of collaborating with the Majlis party.
In an interview, Reddy stated that the SIR process has commenced in several states, and he voiced his disappointment regarding the stance taken by Congress and BRS in Telangana. He remarked to reporters that the SIR initiative began in many states yesterday. However, it is unfortunate that both parties in Telangana are making statements against the SIR, as they are in league with the Majlis party.
Allegations Against Telangana's Chief Minister
The minister further alleged that Telangana's Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is questioning the SIR process, despite it being managed by officials from his own government. He accused the Chief Minister of undermining the trust in state officials.
Reddy stated, "The Chief Minister himself makes statements against the SIR, while it is his administration—comprising his collectors and the Tehsildars of Telangana—who are overseeing it. The Chief Minister repeatedly expresses distrust towards Telangana's officials, even though it is his own government and administration. He holds meetings with the Majlis party and encourages people to protest against the removal of names, advising them to prevent officials from entering their neighborhoods."
Concerns Raised by AIMIM Leader
Earlier on Thursday, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing voter list 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) in Telangana. He highlighted major administrative hurdles and potential risks for voters, labeling the process unnecessarily complicated and potentially hazardous for citizens.
Owaisi acknowledged the Chief Minister's efforts to increase the number of 'MeeSeva' centers to assist citizens with their documentation but emphasized that the current SIR process remains challenging for the average voter. His party is aiding thousands in mapping their 2002 information to ensure no legitimate voter is excluded from the final list.
SIR Process Implementation Details
This statement comes as the SIR process commenced in Telangana on Thursday, where Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are distributing enumeration forms door-to-door. The draft roll will be published on July 31, with a period for claims and objections running from July 31 to August 30, and the final voter list set to be published on October 1. Chief Minister Reddy has instructed ministers, legislators, MPs, and constituency in-charges to remain vigilant. According to an official release from the Chief Minister's Office, this directive was issued amid potential reports of genuine voters' names being removed from the voter list during the SIR campaign. During a Zoom meeting addressing party leaders about the SIR initiative, Chief Minister Reddy warned that strict action would be taken against any party leader who fails to actively implement this process, emphasizing that negligence would not be tolerated.