Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has expressed apprehensions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters’ lists, indicating that it may adversely affect vulnerable groups such as Dalits, Adivasis, and migrant workers. The process is set to commence in June this year in the state. Reddy highlighted his concerns during a meeting of the Congress party’s Political Affairs Committee, noting that the SIR could escalate into a significant issue for these communities, especially for Lambada and Adivasi populations.

In his remarks, the Chief Minister mentioned that many individuals from these vulnerable groups may be omitted from the electoral rolls, particularly as a substantial number have migrated to different areas. He stressed the potential exclusion of votes from Dalits, minorities, and women, raising alarms about the implications for representation and electoral participation.

Political Reactions to the SIR

The Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao responded to these concerns, asserting that the SIR process is devoid of any political motives. He described it as a standard exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) aimed at refining the electoral rolls. Rao drew parallels with similar initiatives in West Bengal, arguing that the purpose of the SIR is to identify and remove inaccuracies within voter lists.

Rao articulated that the initiative aims to verify voter authenticity by ensuring the removal of fake or deceased voters, while also addressing the status of individuals who may have relocated. He reasserted that the SIR should not be viewed through a political lens, emphasising that it is a procedural task undertaken by the ECI.

The Telangana Congress party is calling for the SIR process to be executed transparently. A delegation of party leaders recently approached the State Chief Electoral Officer, advocating for the procedure to be carried out with full transparency and extended over a greater duration, particularly due to the absence of major elections in the near future.

Details of the SIR Process in Telangana

The Election Commission of India announced the initiation of the Special Intensive Revision Phase-III across 16 states and three Union Territories on May 14, encompassing over 36 crore electors in a phased manner, including Telangana. The exercise is designed to align with the ongoing house listing component of the Census, thereby maximising the efficiency of field operations.

The SIR timeline includes several stages, with the qualifying date set for October 1, 2026. The preparation phase is slated to run from June 15, 2026, to June 24, 2026, followed by the visits from Booth Level Officers (BLO) between June 25, 2026, and July 24, 2026. The rationalisation of the lists will conclude by July 24, 2026.

The draft electoral roll will be published on July 31, 2026, with a period for claims and objections open from the same date until August 30, 2026. The notice phase, along with disposal of appeals, will occur from July 31, 2026, to September 28, 2026, culminating in the publication of the final roll on October 1, 2026.

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