Hyderabad: Voters in Hyderabad have raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process after some people were reportedly asked to provide old documents dating back several decades.
Many voters say they have already submitted commonly accepted identification documents, including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and voter ID cards. However, during SIR hearings, some were asked to produce older records to support their details.
Voters Find the Process Difficult
The demand for old documents has created confusion and frustration among several voters.
Some people said it is difficult to find documents from many years ago, especially for older family members. In some cases, records may have been lost, damaged or are simply no longer available.
Voters have questioned why such old paperwork is necessary when modern identity documents are already widely used.
They are asking authorities to explain clearly what documents are required and why they are needed during the verification process.
Concerns Over Possible Deletion of Names
Another major concern is the possibility that genuine voters could lose their names from the electoral rolls if they are unable to provide the requested documents.
Voters and political leaders have therefore called for stronger safeguards during the verification process.
They want authorities to make sure that no eligible voter is removed simply because they cannot find an old document.
Many people have also requested additional time to search for and collect older records before their cases are decided.
Political Leaders Raise the Issue
The issue has also attracted the attention of political leaders.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has joined the calls for caution during the SIR process. He has urged authorities to ensure that genuine voters are protected and that the verification exercise does not result in wrongful deletions.
Political leaders have stressed that the process should be transparent and fair, particularly because electoral rolls directly affect people’s right to vote.
Calls for More Time and Clear Rules
Voters are asking election officials to provide more time for people who need to collect older documents.
They also want clear information about which documents will be accepted and what voters should do if they cannot find records from several decades ago.
A simple and transparent process could help reduce confusion and prevent unnecessary stress for voters.
Why the SIR Process Matters
The SIR exercise is intended to verify and update electoral rolls. Such verification can help identify errors and ensure that voter lists remain accurate.
However, voters say the process should not become so complicated that genuine citizens face difficulties proving their eligibility.
For many Hyderabad residents, the main concern is simple: they want to make sure that their names remain on the voter list if they are eligible to vote.
As the hearings continue, there are growing demands for authorities to balance proper verification with safeguards that protect genuine voters from wrongful removal.