Hyderabad SIR 2026: Voter count drops to 2.60 lakh after verification
- Total electors in the Hyderabad Assembly constituency now stand at 2,60,000, down from over 3 lakh earlier.
- The drop follows a special summary revision (SSR) drive that weeded out duplicate names and deceased voters.
- Officials say the revised roll is more accurate and reflects the actual voter population ahead of the 2026 SIR.
- Political parties have raised concerns about potential disenfranchisement, but the Election Commission defends the process.
Voter count trimmed after verification drive
The number of electors in the Hyderabad Assembly constituency (ASD) has dropped to 2.60 lakh following a special summary revision (SSR) drive. The figure was more than 3 lakh before the verification exercise began.
The Election Commission of India’s ongoing SSR, conducted ahead of the 2026 SIR (State-wide Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls, flagged thousands of entries as suspect. Booth-level officers (BLOs) went door-to-door to confirm voter details.
How the revision worked
BLOs cross-checked names against Aadhaar and other government databases. Duplicate entries, voters who had shifted residence, and deceased persons were removed from the list.
“This is a routine exercise to clean the rolls,” a senior election official in Hyderabad said. “The final number reflects the actual eligible voters in the area.” The revision also added new voters who turned 18 or relocated into the constituency.
Political reactions
Local leaders from the BJP and Congress have questioned the sharp drop in numbers. Some allege the drive could disenfranchise genuine voters, especially in minority-dominated pockets of the old city.
“We have received complaints from several wards where names were removed without notice,” a local Congress corporator said. The party has demanded a re-verification in parts of the constituency.
The Election Commission has rejected these claims, stating that all deletions followed due process. “Every person whose name was removed was given a chance to object,” an EC spokesperson added.
What the data shows
The ASD constituency, covering areas such as Charminar, Falaknuma, and parts of Madannapet, had 3.12 lakh electors in the 2023 assembly elections. The new count of 2.60 lakh marks a 17% reduction.
Officials attribute most of the deletions to duplicate entries — people who were registered in more than one constituency. The remaining deletions were for voters who had moved away or died.
The revised rolls will be used for the SIR 2026, which will update all 119 assembly constituencies in Telangana. The final publication of the rolls is expected by September 2026.
What happens next
Political parties have until August 15 to file objections to the draft rolls. The Election Commission will hear these claims before finalizing the list.