Hyderabad: Concerns over the upcoming voter roll revision dominated a Congress protest in Hyderabad on Saturday, where Hyderabad District Congress Committee president Syed Khalid Saifullah alleged that the Election Commission had ignored issues raised by the party regarding electoral processes in different states.
Addressing a “Save Democracy” protest at Gandhi Bhavan on Saturday, he questioned the Commission’s impartiality and cited several examples to support his criticism.
Saifullah referred to the rejection of senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination.
He alleged that officials cancelled her nomination based on a complaint that did not justify such action.
Voter roll revision requires vigilance, says Khalid Saifullah
Meanwhile, Saifullah claimed the Congress had repeatedly raised concerns about electoral processes in several states.
Referring to Maharashtra, he alleged that authorities added nearly 50 lakh voters to electoral rolls within a short period.
He claimed the Election Commission failed to provide satisfactory explanations when the Congress sought clarification.
Further, Saifullah cited allegations raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding multiple voter entries linked to identical photographs in Haryana.
He alleged that the Commission did not adequately address those concerns.
Additionally, Saifullah referred to alleged voter list irregularities in Karnataka’s Aland constituency.
According to him, some people misused dummy SIM cards to remove the names of Congress supporters from voter lists.
He also alleged that authorities removed around 30 lakh names from electoral rolls in West Bengal citing anomalies.
Saifullah claimed the Election Commission failed to clarify the issue despite repeated questions.
Referring again to Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination, he said senior Congress leaders sought a review of the decision from Election Commission officials.
He alleged that officials offered assurances but later failed to act.
Further, Saifullah expressed concern over the upcoming Special Intensive Revision exercise.
He urged Congress workers, booth-level agents and party activists to remain alert during the voter roll revision process.
He also called on party cadres to ensure eligible voters remain on the electoral rolls.
Saifullah said protecting democracy and ensuring free and fair elections require constant vigilance at every polling booth.