Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has urged the Election Commission of India to withdraw the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of the electoral roll in Bihar, stating that it would severely disenfranchise migrant voters. A delegation from the party, led by its working president K.T. Rama Rao, submitted a memorandum to the ECI in Delhi on Tuesday.

The memorandum highlighted four key issues: the ongoing SIR process in Bihar, the withdrawal of ballot papers, repeated misuse of similar symbols, and inaction on previous complaints regarding violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

According to party sources, BRS has raised serious concerns over the untimely and targeted nature of the SIR process in Bihar. The party warned that this could lead to mass deletions of voters, particularly affecting migrant and marginalized communities. Disenfranchising migrant workers who move to other states for livelihoods is deeply concerning.

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BRS’s Objections on EVMs, Symbols, and Voter Lists

The party stated that documents like Aadhaar and voter ID cards should suffice for voter eligibility. BRS demanded the withdrawal of the current SIR process in Bihar, the introduction of a semi-annual, scientific, and transparent revision process, the formation of booth-level all-party committees to verify deletions or modifications, and regular public display of voter lists.

BRS cautioned that rushed revisions driven by biased representations could undermine universal suffrage and the integrity of voter lists. Concerns were also raised over growing doubts about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), noting that established democracies like the U.S., U.K., Japan, and Germany do not use EVMs for national elections.

The party also reiterated complaints to the Commission about the repeated misuse of symbols resembling its reserved election symbol, the car. Symbols such as cameras, chapati rollers, dolls, road rollers, soap dishes, televisions, sewing machines, and ships were highlighted as appearing similar to the car when displayed in small sizes on EVMs and ballots.

Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional authority established on January 25, 1950, to oversee and conduct free and fair elections in India. It administers electoral processes, including elections for the Lok Sabha, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President. The ECI plays a crucial role in upholding democratic principles by ensuring transparency, impartiality, and integrity in India’s electoral system.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)

The **Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)**, formerly known as the **Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS)**, is an Indian political party founded in 2001 by **K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR)** to advocate for the creation of a separate Telangana state. After achieving its goal with Telangana’s formation in 2014, the party rebranded as BRS in 2022, expanding its focus to national politics while remaining influential in Telangana’s governance. The party emphasizes regional development, social welfare, and federalism.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the capital of India’s Telangana state, is a historic city founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Known for its rich cultural heritage, it boasts iconic landmarks like the Charminar, a 16th-century mosque and monument, and the Golconda Fort, a former diamond-trading center. The city blends traditional Mughal and South Indian influences with modern technology, earning it the nickname « Cyberabad » due to its thriving IT industry.

Delhi

Delhi, India’s capital, is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage dating back over 2,000 years. It has served as the seat of several empires, including the Mughals and the British, and is home to iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate. Today, Delhi blends ancient monuments with modern urban life, making it a vibrant center of politics, commerce, and culture.

Bihar

Bihar, located in eastern India, is a historically significant state known as the birthplace of Buddhism, as it was where the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. It was also the center of the ancient Magadha Empire and home to the renowned Nalanda University, one of the world’s first residential universities, established in the 5th century. Today, Bihar is a vibrant cultural and religious hub, attracting pilgrims and historians alike.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

The **Model Code of Conduct (MCC)** is a set of ethical guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to regulate political parties and candidates during elections. Established to ensure free and fair elections, it prohibits activities like bribery, hate speech, and misuse of government resources. The MCC has been in effect since the 1960s and is enforced from the announcement of elections until the results are declared.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are devices used to record and tally votes electronically, replacing traditional paper ballots in many countries. First introduced in India in the 1980s and widely adopted by the 2000s, EVMs aim to reduce voting fraud and speed up election results. While praised for efficiency, they have also faced scrutiny over security concerns and potential vulnerabilities.

Aadhaar

« Aadhaar » is not a specific place or cultural site but rather India’s national biometric identification system, launched in 2009 by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It assigns a 12-digit unique identity number to residents based on demographic and biometric data, aiming to streamline welfare services and reduce fraud. While not a physical location, Aadhaar has become a significant part of India’s digital infrastructure, impacting governance, banking, and daily life.