Allegations of attempts to delete names of 30 voters in Mushirabad; first FIR in Telangana over Form-7 applications
Form-7 Controversy in Hyderabad | Hyderabad, Oct. 7: Allegations that Form-7 applications are being misused to remove eligible voters from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Hyderabad have triggered a political debate in Telangana.
Police in Hyderabad have registered a case against a BJP Booth-Level Agent (BLA) over allegations that Form-7 applications seeking the deletion of names of eligible voters were submitted in violation of election rules.
The case, reportedly the first FIR registered in Telangana in connection with the Form-7 issue, has assumed significance from both political and electoral perspectives.
First case in Hyderabad’s Mushirabad, police begin probe
Revision of electoral rolls is a crucial part of the election process. While ensuring that every eligible citizen’s name is included in the voter list is important, the removal of ineligible or duplicate names must also be carried out strictly according to established procedures.
In Mushirabad constituency, S. Balachander, identified as a BJP BLA, allegedly submitted Form-7 applications seeking the deletion of the names of around 30 voters.
Based on a complaint filed by an election official, Chikkadpally police registered a case against the BLA under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Representation of the People Act.
Police have begun an investigation to establish the circumstances under which the applications were submitted and verify the information provided in them.
Form-7 Controversy in Hyderabad | Allegations also emerge from Goshamahal
Meanwhile, allegations concerning the use of Form-7 applications have also surfaced in the Goshamahal constituency.
Officials said pre-filled Form-7 applications were allegedly submitted in connection with around 122 voters. However, after verification, the Booth-Level Officer (BLO) rejected the applications.
The development has added to concerns over the manner in which Form-7 applications are being submitted during the ongoing electoral roll revision process.
Political conspiracy allegations
Several political parties have alleged that the Form-7 applications are part of a deliberate political attempt to remove the names of eligible voters from electoral rolls.
The BJP, however, has rejected the allegations.
The actual circumstances behind the applications in Mushirabad and Goshamahal are expected to become clearer following the investigations by the police and election authorities.
With the SIR process underway, the scrutiny of Form-7 applications and the verification of voter deletions are likely to remain closely watched across Telangana.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
