Thousands of Srikakulam migrant workers lost their vote in SIR, alleges Congress leader

Former Srikakulam District Congress Committee president Pedada Parameswara Rao has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of stripping thousands of migrant workers in Srikakulam district of their voting rights. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr. Rao alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the ECI led to the removal of more than five lakh temporary workers from the final voter rolls.

Mr. Rao argued that these workers, who return to their native places during festivals, elections and other important occasions, have their families residing in Srikakulam district. Their Aadhaar cards also show Srikakulam district as their address. He contended that it is unjust to remove their names from the voter rolls during the SIR process.

According to the Srikakulam Congress, the party has raised this issue with the party high command, emphasizing that the affected workers, numbering over five lakh, migrate temporarily for their livelihood. The party has demanded that the ECI review the issue and restore the voting rights of these workers.