36,000 BLOs Launch Statewide Voter Verification in Telangana

In a major exercise to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process, Telangana has launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 , a comprehensive door-to-door voter verification campaign aimed at preparing a clean, accurate and transparent electoral roll. The month-long drive will verify the details of more than 3.38 crore registered voters , eliminate duplicate or ineligible entries, and ensure that every eligible citizen is able to exercise their franchise in future elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed nearly 36,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) across the state to conduct household visits from June 25 to July 24 . During the survey, BLOs will distribute pre-filled Enumeration Forms , verify voter information, assist residents in updating their details and collect the completed forms. Officials said the campaign is designed to improve the accuracy of the electoral database through physical verification at the grassroots level.

Addressing the media, Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudharshan Reddy said the Commission's primary objective is to ensure that no eligible voter is left out while removing duplicate, shifted, deceased and otherwise ineligible entries. Responding to concerns raised by political parties, he clarified that no genuine voter will be deleted arbitrarily , and that every correction or deletion will follow the due process prescribed under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the guidelines of the Election Commission.

Once the field verification concludes, the second phase of SIR 2026 will begin with the publication of the draft electoral roll on July 31 . Citizens will be able to file claims, objections, additions or corrections until August 30 if their names are missing or any details require modification. Electoral Registration Officers will examine every application, conduct hearings wherever necessary and publish the final electoral roll on October 1 .

Election officials clarified that supporting documents are generally not required during the initial door-to-door survey . BLOs will primarily verify information and collect Enumeration Forms, while documentary proof may be sought later if any claim requires additional verification. Where necessary, voters may be asked to submit documents such as EPIC (Voter ID), Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Birth Certificate , or valid proof of residence. Electors may also complete the process online through the ECI's ECINET/Voter Service Portal , although all online submissions will undergo physical verification before approval.

To ensure effective implementation, the Commission has established a three-tier monitoring system , deploying over 3,500 supervisors and more than 1,000 senior officials to oversee the work of the BLOs. In addition, around 49,000 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) representing recognised political parties have been trained to assist the verification process. According to official data, authorities have already mapped nearly 2.38 crore voters , while identifying discrepancies in around 90 lakh voter records , making the ongoing revision exercise critical to improving the quality of the state's electoral rolls.

The exercise has also acquired political significance. During a virtual meeting with party leaders, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed ministers, MLAs, MPs and constituency in-charges to closely monitor the verification process and ensure that the names of genuine voters are not removed. As Telangana enters one of its most extensive electoral revision exercises in recent years, the success of SIR 2026 is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the credibility and accuracy of the state's voter rolls ahead of future elections.