13 May 2024: During the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections in Hyderabad, a troubling issue emerged as numerous voters faced the distressing reality of their names omitted from the electoral list, thereby depriving them of their fundamental democratic right to vote, reports Newsmeter. Among those affected, individuals such as Srikanth Tummala and Praveen Thadi shared their disappointment and frustration upon discovering their absence from the voter rolls, despite having actively participated in previous elections. Thadi, in particular, recounted the disheartening experience of finding his mother’s name inexplicably deleted, effectively barring her from casting her vote. Despite arriving at the polling centers armed with necessary documentation, including slips from local representatives, their efforts proved futile in rectifying the situation.
Abdul Khadar, a resident of Basharat Nagar, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgent need for authorities to rectify the situation and hold those responsible for the oversight accountable. The removal of over 17,000 voters from the electoral rolls between January and April further underscored the magnitude of the issue, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. While election officials clarified that the deletions were not intentional but rather a consequence of shifts in polling booths, the resultant confusion and frustration among electors remained palpable.
In response to the disenfranchisement experienced by residents, officials advised affected voters to check nearby polling booths and stressed that deletion of names is an extreme measure, typically undertaken only after thorough verification. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also provided online platforms for voters to verify their registration status, emphasizing transparency and accessibility in the electoral process.
The significant challenges faced by Hyderabad voters in exercising their democratic right underscore the pressing need for swift action to restore faith in the electoral management process. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial to upholding the democratic principles and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in Hyderabad.
