Civil rights group urges Telangana government to extend SIR deadline by three months

Telangana Voter Rights Forum has asked for a three-month extension of Special Intensive Revision process to ensure eligible voters aren't left out. This request arises in light of criticism from former IAS officer Akunuri Murali, who argues that the initiative aims to manipulate voter eligibility and complicate voting procedures.

BRIC Team

Jul 4, 2026 · 1 min read · 8 views

Civil rights group urges Telangana government to extend SIR deadline by three months

Key Takeaways

•The Telangana Voter Rights Forum is requesting a three-month extension for the Special Intensive Revision process to protect eligible voters.
•Former IAS officer Akunuri Murali criticized the SIR process, stating, 'No democratic country has made it so difficult for its voters to vote.'
•Hyma from the Garbage Collectors Union highlighted that sanitation workers struggle to meet Booth Level Officers due to conflicting work schedules.
•Padmaja Shaw proposed a public awareness campaign in Telugu, English, and Urdu to educate voters about the SIR process.
•Concerns about the accessibility of Booth Level Officers indicate potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters in Telangana.

Telangana Voter Rights Forum pushes Telangana government and Election Commission of India (ECI) to extend Special Intensive Revision (SIR) deadline by three months. Goal: keep eligible voters on rolls. Forum stresses need for proper documents and Permanent Residence Certificates,recognized by ECI if issued locally.

Saturday,at Sundaryya Vignana Kendram,civil society,NGOs and citizens aired concerns about SIR process. Former IAS officer Akunuri Murali slammed it,saying it manipulates voter eligibility. “The SIR is designed with evil intention. The government is going to choose voters,” he said. And Murali added,“No democratic country has made it so difficult for its voters to vote. This is a first for democracy.”

Concerns over Booth Level Officers (BLOs) accessibility,critical to SIR process. Murali noted even these officers often lack training to help voters. Hyma from Garbage Collectors Union pointed out sanitation workers struggle to meet BLOs due to clashing work schedules .

Former OU professor Padmaja Shaw urged a public awareness blitz in Telugu,English,Urdu. Use newspapers,hoardings, social media to spread word. Shaw also pushed for voter helplines from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.,so all can get help. Forum's demands hint at bigger worry… will current SIR process shut out many voters in Telangana?

#Telangana