Vijayawada, September 30, 2026 (Journalist File): BJP Andhra Pradesh state media wing in-charge Dileep Kilaru has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of making misleading allegations against the Election Commission of India over the revision of electoral rolls, citing the ongoing controversy involving voters in Delhi’s Bela Estate.
Kilaru said the Election Commission had already explained the circumstances surrounding the removal of names from the electoral roll in Bela Estate. According to the Election Commission’s explanation, most of the addresses recorded for the electors were linked to agricultural land, while residential structures in the area were demolished during 2022-23. The change in the physical and residential status of the locality led election officials to classify the concerned electors under the ASDD — absent, shifted, deceased and duplicate — categories during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
The issue came into focus after Rahul Gandhi visited Bela Estate and questioned the deletion of voter names. He said that only one name remained on the draft electoral roll out of 728 voters and alleged that the exercise amounted to “vote theft.” The Election Commission, however, said eligible people whose names were not included in the draft roll could apply for re-enrolment through the prescribed process.
The latest information from Delhi election officials indicates that nearly 475 of the 728 voters whose names were excluded from the draft roll had already submitted applications seeking re-inclusion. Officials said special camps were organised near the Geeta Colony bridge to facilitate applications, with the applicants being considered under the provisions applicable to homeless voters.
Kilaru said political leaders should examine the Election Commission’s explanation and the applicable electoral procedures before making claims about the voter list. He said eligible voters who were left out of the draft roll could use the statutory mechanism to seek inclusion, and argued that the process should be viewed in the context of verification and correction of electoral records.
The Bela Estate case remains contested, with residents disputing the basis for their exclusion while election authorities have cited changes to the recorded addresses and the demolition of structures at the earlier locations.
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