BJP tried erasing Muslim worker, 30 of his family members from voter rolls: Congress
The Congress in Telangana has alleged an attempt to delete the names of one of its party workers and around 30 members of his family from the electoral roll in Hyderabad’s Musheerabad and has lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging that pre-printed Form-7 applications were used for the purpose.
The complaint, dated October 1, was filed by Pulipati Rajesh Kumar, chairman of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee’s Election Commission Coordination Committee, and Mohd Wajid Hussain.
It named S Balachander, also known as Balu and described as a BJP booth-level agent (BLA) for polling booth No. 210, in connection with the disputed applications.
According to the complaint, Congress BLA Shafuddin and around 30 members of his family were targeted for deletion from the electoral roll.
The Congress alleged that the Form-7 applications had been prepared and printed in advance rather than independently filled out by the persons shown as applicants.
The party urged the Election Commission to preserve the original applications and verify the signatures, handwriting, dates, mobile phone numbers, electoral photo identity card details and supporting documents.
It also sought statements from the persons named as applicants to establish whether they had prepared, signed and submitted the forms.
The complaint requested officials to examine whether the applications shared common formatting, handwriting or other features indicating a common source.
It also sought an inquiry into whether similar applications had been submitted against other Congress leaders, their family members or other electors.
The complaint specifically sought verification of Balachander’s role and whether he personally submitted the applications or facilitated their submission.
Citing Election Commission guidelines, the complaint said a person seeking deletion through Form-7 must provide the prescribed reason and that the burden of proving the reason rests with the applicant.
It also referred to the Form-7 declaration that knowingly making a false statement is punishable under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
The Congress sought a detailed inquiry into the matter and legal action if any wrongdoing is established.- Ends
Principal Correspondent at India Today. Reporting from Hyderabad Bureau. Basheer has keen interest in political stories, analysis, and crime stories. He keeps close watch on all happenings in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. A law graduate, journalist by passion and profession.
