C Sudharshan Reddy, the Chief Electoral Officer for Telangana, broke the silence on Thursday to confirm that 54 lakh voters flagged during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) have successfully made it onto the main electoral rolls. Speaking directly to reporters, Reddy clarified that the process is not static; it runs until November 5. That gives the remaining 40 lakh notice-holders a final window to regularize their status.
The mechanism is strictly field-based. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are tasked with visiting the homes of the remaining electors to collect necessary documents. These details are then uploaded to the ECI Net for decision by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant ERO (AERO). Reddy emphasized that electors do not need to physically appear at ERO offices for hearings unless an exceptional circumstance arises. In such rare cases, the hearing will be conducted online using updated software.
This surge in verification follows the publication of the draft electoral roll on August 17, which triggered notices for 92 lakh voters. The anomalies stemmed from discrepancies in electoral records or the failure to link details with the 2002 rolls. Reddy noted that exclusions from the main roll will apply only to those who have migrated or passed away. All other compliant electors will be included.
The deadline is firm. By November 5, the document collection for the remaining 40 lakh must be complete. Any adult family member authorized by the elector can attend a hearing if required. The election machinery is now in its final phase of clearing the backlog before the final roll is published.