Kishan Reddy Accuses MIM Leaders Of Intimidating Electoral Officers In Old City

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Saturday alleged that Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leaders in Hyderabad’s Old City were intimidating Booth Level Officers (BLOs) engaged in electoral duties. He claimed these leaders are preventing the officers from conducting door-to-door surveys for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

According to the Union Minister, MIM leaders are insisting that voter forms be distributed only through their own channels. Speaking to reporters, Reddy warned that attempts to pressure the Election Commission pose a threat to democracy and stated that the revision process cannot be carried out according to "Majlis instructions."

Reddy also expressed concern over Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s remarks regarding the exercise, claiming they were inflaming certain sections of society. He criticized efforts by the Congress and the BRS to link the SIR to religion and create fear among voters, accusing them of spreading false narratives to politicize the exercise.

"Even if the Chief Minister, a minister or an MLA pressures election staff, the people of Telangana and the BJP stand with the staff," Reddy said. He urged government employees not to succumb to threats and assured them of the BJP's support.

The Union minister alleged that previous investigations revealed Rohingya, Bangladeshi nationals, and illegal entrants from Pakistan residing in Hyderabad had obtained voter identity cards, Aadhaar cards, and ration cards. He argued that blocking the cleansing of electoral rolls despite these facts was irresponsible.

Additionally, Reddy raised objections to the alleged deployment of BLOs for non-electoral tasks, such as distributing Indiramma saris. He stated that the BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission regarding this practice, which he described as inappropriate. He also claimed that BLO identity cards were being issued in the state government's name rather than the Election Commission's.

Reddy urged district collectors, senior officials, and all government employees involved in the SIR to carry out their duties courageously and impartially.