Congress Seva Dal stages protest, demands poll chief's ouster over SIR exercise

The Telangana Pradesh Congress Seva Dal staged a satyagraha on Tuesday as part of an escalating campaign against what it characterizes as a flawed electoral process. The organization's president Middela Jitender has called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, contending that the official bear responsibility for procedural failings.

According to the Congress Seva Dal, the Special Summary Revision (SIR) exercise—a periodic update of electoral rolls—was conducted in a manner that compromised citizens' fundamental voting rights. The organization argues that the exercise undermined the integrity of the democratic process by allegedly excluding eligible voters or creating barriers to participation.

The protest reflects growing concerns within opposition circles regarding electoral administration in the state. Congress leaders claim the SIR methodology lacked transparency and failed to adequately notify affected voters before their names were removed or altered in the rolls.

The satyagraha marks an intensification of political pressure on election officials ahead of forthcoming electoral cycles in the region. The Congress party has demanded a comprehensive review of the special summary revision exercise and accountability measures against those responsible for its implementation.