Special voter registration camps set up across Hyderabad witnessed a disappointing response on the first day of a two-day enrolment drive aimed at helping first-time voters and restoring names removed from the electoral rolls. The initiative was launched to encourage eligible citizens to register as voters and assist those affected during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. However, despite the importance of the exercise, only a limited number of people visited the camps, raising concerns about public awareness and the effectiveness of the outreach programme.

Concerns were also raised over the functioning of the camps, with reports claiming that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were absent from several designated polling stations. According to local Congress representatives, some officials allegedly did not visit voters’ homes despite instructions from the Chief Electoral Officer, while others were stationed away from their assigned polling booths. It was also claimed that due to heavy workloads, some applicants were being advised to submit Form 6 online instead of receiving assistance at the camps, causing inconvenience for many eligible voters.

The continued use of Form 6 for individuals whose names were deleted during the SIR process has also sparked debate. Since Form 6 is primarily meant for new voter registration and requires applicants to declare that they have not voted before, many previously registered voters have questioned its use for restoring deleted names. The two-day special camps are intended to facilitate both fresh voter enrolment and the restoration of eligible voters to the electoral rolls, but the low turnout and administrative concerns have highlighted challenges in the ongoing voter registration exercise.