Hyderabad: Hyderabad District Congress Committee (DCC) President Syed Khalid Saifullah urged the Election Commission of India to order an immediate inquiry into the alleged distribution of voter enrollment forms by MIM activists in parts of Hyderabad. He alleged that the practice raised concerns about the integrity of the voter enrollment process.
Khalid Saifullah and Hyderabad DCC EC Coordination Committee Chairman Rajesh issued a joint statement raising objections to the reported distribution of voter enrollment forms at Amina Masjid in Paramount Colony for Booths 53 to 57.
Voter form distribution raises concerns
Khalid Saifullah questioned who authorised private individuals to distribute voter enrollment forms. He also asked why Booth Level Officers were absent during the reported exercise.
He alleged that some forms contained voter details, including photographs. According to him, the presence of such records with unauthorised persons raised concerns over the handling of sensitive electoral data.
The Congress leader also objected to residents allegedly being asked to visit an MIM office in connection with voter enrollment. He said Booth Level Officers should conduct house-to-house verification instead of asking people to collect forms at a mosque.
Voter form distribution inquiry sought
Khalid Saifullah alleged that similar practices were taking place in other parts of Hyderabad. He said such incidents, if confirmed, could affect public confidence in the transparency of the electoral process.
Khalid Saifullah also claimed that some mosque committee members had informed Congress leaders that local political leaders had pressured them. He said places of worship should not be used for political mobilisation or electoral activities.
The Hyderabad DCC president said only authorised election officials should handle voter enrollment and verification. He warned that political involvement in the process could create apprehension among voters.
Khalid Saifullah appealed to all political parties to avoid involving religious institutions in electoral activities. He also urged the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana to investigate the matter, verify how the forms were obtained and ensure that Booth Level Officers followed the prescribed procedure.
Khalid Saifullah said the Congress would continue to monitor the issue and raise concerns to protect voters’ rights and the integrity of the electoral process.