A controversy has emerged in Musheerabad, Hyderabad, regarding the alleged misuse of Form-7 by a family consisting of 30 members. The family asserts that applications requesting their names be deleted from the electoral roll were filed, incorrectly stating that they had “permanently shifted.” Mohammed Shafuddin, who serves as a Booth Level Agent (BLA), has claimed that a pre-printed Form-7 containing the personal details of himself and his relatives was submitted, leading to these deletion requests.

Shafuddin reported that he has been assisting the Election Commission in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise for the past two months. After being notified by a Booth Level Officer (BLO) regarding the submission of a Form-7 against his and his family members’ names, he investigated the matter. “Upon arrival, I discovered that a Form-7 with our details had been submitted, claiming we had permanently relocated,” he stated.

He further alleged that the application for deletion was submitted by an individual known to the family, who is reportedly affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Shafuddin expressed his dismay at the situation, highlighting that as a BLA, he is dedicated to supporting the electoral process.

Political Reactions and Complaints Filed

Local Congress leader Wajid Hussain has indicated that the issue was first presented to the party’s attention. Subsequently, a formal complaint was lodged with the Chief Election Commissioner to address the alleged manipulation of the electoral roll. “After no action was taken, we escalated the matter to Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, requesting that appropriate measures be pursued,” said Hussain.

The situation remains tense as politicians from different parties are starting to weigh in on the matter, given its implications on the ongoing electoral roll revision in Telangana. The family members have called for a comprehensive inquiry into who initiated the Form-7 requests and the rationale behind them.

Shafuddin’s brother, emphasised their long-standing connection to the locality, refuting the claims that they had shifted elsewhere. “Our family has resided in the same house and neighbourhood for nearly 80 years. We know the person behind this Form-7 submission personally and have known him since childhood, which makes this situation even more shocking,” he stated.

Importance of the Verification Process

The allegations raise critical questions about the processes involved in the electoral roll revision and the validity of the deletion requests mentioned. The verification process undertaken by the Election Commission will play a significant role in safeguarding against the removal of legitimate voters from the rolls.

As the inquiry progresses, it will be essential to determine the authenticity of the claims made by Shafuddin and his relatives, alongside the actions taken by other political parties and officials in the matter. The family’s request for clarity aims to ensure that the electoral process remains transparent and free from any undue influence or malpractice.

As the situation continues to unfold, the electoral authorities are expected to scrutinise the submitted applications closely, thereby upholding the integrity of the democratic process in the region.

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