Congress Calls for Election Commission Probe Into Voter Form Distribution by MIM Activists

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad District Congress Committee has called on India's Election Commission to launch an immediate investigation into claims that MIM activists have been distributing voter enrollment forms across sections of the city.

In a public statement, DCC President Syed Khalid Saifullah raised alarm over the reported distribution of voter forms at Amina Masjid in Paramount Colony, specifically for Booths 53 to 57. He expressed concern that such activities could undermine the credibility of the voter registration system.

Questions Over Authorization and Procedure

Saifullah questioned the authority under which private citizens were permitted to hand out voter enrollment forms, and pointed out the apparent absence of Booth Level Officers during these distributions. He highlighted that certain forms reportedly contained voter information and photographs, suggesting that unauthorised individuals were handling confidential electoral records.

The Congress leader further objected to residents being directed to visit an MIM office to collect voter enrollment materials. He contended that Booth Level Officers should instead be conducting door-to-door verification drives rather than channelling citizens through religious venues.

Broader Pattern of Concern

Saifullah indicated that comparable practices were occurring in multiple locations throughout Hyderabad. He warned that if substantiated, such incidents could erode public trust in the transparency and fairness of electoral processes. He also stated that mosque committee representatives had informed Congress officials that local political figures had exerted pressure on them, asserting that places of worship ought to remain separate from political and electoral operations.

The DCC president stressed that voter enrollment and verification must remain the exclusive domain of authorised election officials. He cautioned that political interference could generate anxiety among voters regarding the integrity of the system.

Saifullah called upon all political parties to refrain from involving religious institutions in electoral matters. He appealed to both the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana to conduct a thorough examination, determine the source of the forms, and verify that Booth Level Officers adhered to established protocols.

The Congress party has committed to continuing its oversight of the situation to safeguard voter rights and maintain the sanctity of the electoral framework.