EC steps up voter enrolment drive

Hyderabad: The Election Commission on Thursday organised special camps at polling stations across the State to facilitate the registration of new voters and promote electoral awareness among eligible citizens, particularly those residing in labour colonies, homeless individuals and other marginalised sections of society.

Senior officials visited various polling stations in Hyderabad to review the enrolment drive. Additional Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vasam Venkateshwar Reddy visited the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency, including labour colonies, and enquired about the presence of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and the response from voters.

He said the special campaign was aimed at facilitating the registration of new electors and promoting electoral awareness among eligible citizens, particularly those from marginalised sections. The Additional CEO reviewed voter registration activities and awareness initiatives at various locations, including State Home, Yousufguda Government School and Labour Adda, to ensure inclusive and accurate electoral rolls.

The campaign emphasised the importance of including every eligible citizen in the electoral roll while identifying and removing ineligible entries in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

“Every eligible elector is added, and no ineligible entries remain in the electoral roll. Our commitment is inclusive electoral participation, accurate electoral rolls and voter awareness for all, leaving no eligible citizen behind,” the Additional CEO said.

Meanwhile, BLOs were reportedly absent from several polling stations in the city. At some locations, Booth Level Agents said the BLOs had arrived but left within a couple of hours, stating that they would return later. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI) mandate, BLOs are required to be present at polling stations during the designated campaign.

When asked about the issue, a senior official in the Chief Electoral Officer's office said a BLO might be stationed at a nearby polling station when multiple booths were located within the same premises. The official clarified that BLOs would be available at the polling stations on Friday as well and urged eligible citizens to utilise the opportunity to enrol in the electoral roll.

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