Electors befuddled as names on ASDD list leave Form 6 submission the only option in Hyderabad

Electors in Hyderabad faced confusion when names were removed from the draft Special Intensive Revision (SIR) rolls, prompting booth level officers (BLOs) to recommend filling out Form 6 to regain voting rights. During a public hearing examining the SIR and the Right to Vote, affected voters shared their frustration and concerns.

Akunuri Murali, a former civil servant, Padmaja Shaw, a professor, G. Haragopal, another professor, and S.Q. Masood, an activist, all spoke with the affected voters, shedding light on the situation.

One voter, Jaseem Unnisa, learned that her husband's name was marked as 'dead' on the ASDD (Absent, Shifted, Dead, and Duplicate) list, causing her panic. However, she later learned that he was merely "dead on paper." K. Narender, whose name was also removed from the SIR rolls, expressed his anger at the enumerator for failing to collect the enumeration form despite multiple calls. Mohammed Ali, a lifelong acquaintance of Mr. Narender, corroborated his story.

Many voters admitted to having limited understanding of the SIR process and its requirements. Some received conflicting information through social media, while others learned from booth-level agents or word-of-mouth. Masood emphasized that Form 6 is exclusively for first-time voters, and those who have already voted or are on the electoral rolls cannot use it. He warned that those who apply may face legal repercussions.

Some activists vowed to assist voters in completing and submitting Form 6 but would also submit a separate document explaining their inability to choose otherwise.