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In a move seen as a divergence from the BJP’s stance, its NDA ally, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to initiate a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls at the earliest, with advance notifications to prevent hasty deletions or errors.

The TDP emphasized that the exercise should focus solely on correcting and updating voter rolls, advocating for the deployment of mobile Booth Level Officer (BLO) units in areas with high seasonal migration, stage-wise verification, and deletion procedures with proper documentation and voter notifications. The party urged the ECI to follow due process meticulously to enhance transparency in the electoral system.

A TDP delegation, led by MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and including State President Palla Srinivas Rao, MP Shabari, MLA Kuna Ravi Kumar, Prasad Rao, and Tirunagari Jyotsna, met with the ECI in New Delhi to present a detailed set of reform proposals aimed at strengthening electoral roll management and ensuring greater voter inclusion. The meeting was convened following an ECI invitation to discuss electoral reforms and voter list revisions, reflecting the commission’s ongoing efforts to refine the electoral process.

The TDP’s submission, titled “Suggestions to Strengthen Electoral Roll Management and Enhance Transparency in the Electoral Process,” outlined seven key reform categories, drawing on the party’s extensive electoral experience and commitment to safeguarding the integrity of voter rolls. The proposals address critical aspects of electoral roll management, from verification processes to technological integration and public transparency. To strengthen electoral roll verification, the TDP recommended annual third-party audits overseen by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to identify anomalies. 

The party also proposed leveraging AI-powered tools for real-time detection of duplicate entries, migrated voters, and deceased individuals. Additionally, TDP called for a time-bound grievance redressal mechanism at the BLO and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) levels and the standardization of door numbering nationwide to improve address accuracy, reducing errors in voter records.

Addressing the issue of EPIC (Elector Photo Identity Card) duplication and Aadhaar integration, the TDP advocated for issuing unique, non-repeating EPIC numbers across the country. 

The party suggested using Aadhaar for cross-verification, provided robust data protection measures are in place to safeguard voter privacy. This, they argued, would streamline voter identification and reduce fraudulent registrations.

The TDP also emphasized the importance of involving political parties in the process. It proposed mandatory participation of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from all recognized parties, with pre-publication access to draft electoral rolls to facilitate thorough verification. This collaborative approach, the party noted, would enhance trust in the process and ensure accuracy.

To promote public transparency, the TDP suggested that the ECI publish district-wise data on voter additions and deletions on its portal, accompanied by a real-time dashboard to track voter complaints and their resolution timelines. Such measures would allow citizens to monitor the process and hold authorities accountable.

The delegation also called for legal reforms to enforce statutory penalties for negligence or misconduct by election officers, ensuring accountability. To address voter inclusion, particularly for marginalized and migrant populations, the TDP recommended targeted enrollment drives and the allowance of temporary address declarations with minimal documentation to prevent disenfranchisement. Additionally, the party proposed monthly consultative meetings between District Election Officers (DEOs), EROs, and recognized political parties to ensure continuous oversight and feedback.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s robust voter participation, the TDP noted the state’s 81.86% turnout in the recent general elections, significantly surpassing the national average of 65.79%. With 117 of 175 Assembly constituencies recording over 80% turnout, the delegation underscored the democratic maturity of Andhra Pradesh’s electorate. “This level of civic engagement reflects the trust people have in the democratic process. Electoral reforms must evolve to match technological and social realities to sustain this momentum,” the delegation stated.

While Andhra Pradesh is not due for Assembly elections until 2029, the TDP’s proactive push for reforms signals its commitment to strengthening India’s electoral framework. The ECI has taken the TDP’s suggestions under advisement and assured stakeholders of continued dialogue on electoral reforms and future voter roll revisions.