Telangana CEO answers key questions on SIR 2026 exercise clearly
Ahead of SIR rollout, Telangana CEO C Sudarshan Reddy addressed key concerns in an exclusive interview with Siasat.com.
It will likely be a Booth Level Officer (BLO) carrying enumeration forms with your name, address and photograph as part of Telangana’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026. What you do next could determine whether you stay on the voter roll.
The SIR exercise has raised anxiety in Hyderabad after reports suggested nearly 40% of voters might receive notices because of anomalies. Opposition parties have questioned whether the massive exercise, which runs until October 1, can be completed fairly or on time — and what recourse voters will have if their names are struck off. To cut through the noise, Siasat.com spoke exclusively to Telangana Chief Electoral Officer C Sudarshan Reddy.
Every BLO will be assigned about 800–1,000 electors and must visit every household. They will hand out two enumeration forms per elector (so a household with four voters gets eight forms). BLOs are expected to make three to four visits for distribution and collection, and to help voters through the process. If the BLO misses you, you can still submit forms online or hand completed paper forms to the BLO later.
NRIs can complete the process online; if they are unable to, a family member can fill and sign the form on their behalf and hand it to the BLO. For lineage verification, the 2002 electoral-roll data can be used to map parents, maternal grandparents or paternal grandparents — these relatives are acceptable for verifying descent in specific cases.
Reddy stressed that no documents are required during the enumeration stage. Notices will be issued later during the notice period for cases flagged with anomalies. The ECI’s list of documents is indicative; EROs may accept other government-issued papers and will make final decisions on verifications.
Addressing concerns over logistics and weather, Reddy said a large workforce of BLOs, supported by ERO staff, will handle verifications. Past SIR exercises in 12 states were mostly completed on time, though a few needed short extensions. The Election Commission will decide if Telangana needs more time.
Logical discrepancies — the category used for cases such as mismatched data — can be handled at the discretion of the ERO. Reddy said EROs can decide whether to call voters in or to manage hearings and uploads remotely, depending on local circumstances and manpower.
If a voter’s name is deleted, the ERO must issue a speaking order explaining the reason. Dissatisfied electors can appeal to the District Election Officer, and if needed, make a second appeal to the Chief Electoral Officer.