The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed serious concerns regarding the pre-Special Intensive Revision (SIR) mapping exercise in Hyderabad, specifically calling for focused attention on Balapur and surrounding areas. The party alleges that a significant number of Rohingya individuals are residing illegally in these localities and demands that their names be removed from the electoral rolls after thorough verification.
Concerns over high-density voter registrations
BJP state chief N Ramchander Rao highlighted that the party's primary apprehension during the pre-SIR mapping involves residential areas where an unusually large number of voters are registered under a single address or within one building. “Our main concern is residential areas where, in one address or building, there are more than 20 to 30 voters. They should be checked and verified, and if found fake, should be removed,” he stated.
Rao further emphasized that shifted and transferred voters who continue to remain on the voter list must be identified and eliminated. “Dead voters should be excluded in SIR,” he added.
Allegations of Rohingya enrolment in Balapur
Ramchander specifically pointed to the alleged enrolment of Rohingya refugees as voters in Balapur. “There is a need for special focus and they shall be removed. BLOs shall be given protection and freedom to find them out,” he said. The BJP also demanded that polling booths be located within easy reach of voters, especially in villas, gated communities, and large residential complexes. Rao suggested that clubhouses in such complexes could be utilized as polling stations to minimize travel for voters.
The party warned that it would approach the Election Commission if any irregularities occur during the actual SIR process. “We have found in Old City that BLAs were given passwords. BJP BLAs were not allowed wherever they were able to go. These are a few things that have come to the fore,” Rao alleged.
CEO dismisses special drive on Rohingyas
Responding to the BJP's concerns, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) C Sudharshan Reddy clarified that there is no special drive targeting Rohingyas. “Officials will conduct the mapping and SIR as per the rules and in a fair and transparent manner,” he assured.
