Questions Raised Over SIR Drive as Voters Object to Aadhaar Requirement and Verification Process

Hyderabad: Several voters in Telangana have raised concerns over the procedures being followed during the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign, alleging inconsistencies and irregularities in the implementation process.

According to affected citizens, while the Election Commission officially describes the submission of an Aadhaar number as optional, it is reportedly being treated as a mandatory document in practice at several locations.

Voters claim that while submitting online enumeration forms, applications are not being accepted if the name, parent’s name, or other personal details mentioned on the Aadhaar card do not exactly match those on the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC). As a result, many citizens have reportedly faced difficulties in completing the registration process.

Similar complaints have emerged from various localities, where Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are allegedly refusing to accept enumeration forms during door-to-door surveys unless voters first produce their Aadhaar cards. Complainants argue that such practices are inconsistent with the Election Commission’s official guidelines.

Affected voters say that while the Election Commission publicly maintains that Aadhaar submission is voluntary, implementation at the ground level appears to vary from place to place, leading to confusion and uncertainty among the public.

Follow for more details: munsifdaily.com

Citizens have also expressed concerns that unless the exercise is conducted with adequate safeguards, genuine and eligible voters could inadvertently be removed from the electoral rolls. They acknowledged the need to remove duplicate and deceased voters from the lists but cautioned that the wrongful deletion of legitimate voters could adversely affect the democratic process.

The Election Commission of India, however, has reiterated that furnishing an Aadhaar number is entirely optional and that no application should be rejected solely on the grounds that Aadhaar details have not been provided.

The Commission has advised citizens facing difficulties during the SIR exercise to seek assistance through its official channels or by contacting the 1950 voter helpline.

However, some citizens have claimed that despite making repeated attempts to contact the helpline, they were unable to receive timely responses or adequate guidance.

The allegations mentioned in this report are based on complaints and claims made by voters. The Election Commission’s official position remains that Aadhaar submission is voluntary and that voters should not face rejection solely for not providing the document.