YSRCP flags SIR irregularities, writes to EC

Appireddy alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who are responsible for carrying out the revision process, are simultaneously being assigned their regular departmental duties

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The opposition YSRCP has raised concerns over the implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Andhra Pradesh, alleging procedural irregularities and practical difficulties that could affect the transparency and fairness of the exercise.

In a representation submitted to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vivek Yadav, YSRCP MLC and State General Secretary L. Appireddy highlighted several issues and urged the Election Commission authorities to take immediate corrective measures.

Appireddy alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who are responsible for carrying out the revision process, are simultaneously being assigned their regular departmental duties. According to him, frequent calls from departmental superiors for routine official work are affecting the efficiency of SIR activities and causing delays. He requested the authorities to ensure that BLOs are allowed to devote adequate time exclusively to electoral revision work during the exercise.

The YSRCP leader also pointed to problems in the handling of Enumeration Forms (EFs). While forms are being distributed to voters, he claimed that in many places they are not being properly collected, verified, or filed, creating confusion about the status of applications.

Expressing concern over inadequate public awareness, Appireddy said many voters remain unaware of the objectives, procedures, and timelines of the revision exercise. He suggested extensive awareness campaigns through public announcements and local publicity. He also proposed allowing recognised political parties to assist in voter awareness programmes.

Another issue raised was the lack of uniformity in the distribution of Enumeration Forms. In some areas, voters are reportedly being given two forms, with one intended as an acknowledgement, while in others only a single form is issued. He alleged that in certain cases both forms are being collected back, defeating the purpose of providing an acknowledgement to voters.

Appireddy further alleged that Block Level Agents (BLAs) belonging to the ruling party were collecting Enumeration Forms in bulk from BLOs and distributing them to voters. Such practices, if true, could undermine the neutrality of the electoral revision process, he said, calling for an inquiry.

The YSRCP also expressed concern over alleged political interference, claiming that review meetings with BLOs were being conducted by political leaders in some areas. Appireddy stressed that electoral roll revision is a statutory and independent process that should remain free from political influence.

He also noted shortcomings in voter photograph collection through the designated mobile application and highlighted difficulties faced by BLOs and BLAs in tribal and agency areas due to weak mobile connectivity and poor internet access.

Additionally, Appireddy said the updated electoral roll published in April 2026 had not been supplied to political parties and their representatives, affecting verification and participation in the revision process.

Seeking immediate intervention, the YSRCP urged the CEO to address the concerns and ensure that the electoral roll revision is conducted in a transparent, fair and impartial manner.