TDP Leader Welcomes SIR Draft List, Emphasises Voter Inclusion as Fundamental Right

By A Staff Reporter

Vijayawada: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Syed Rafi has welcomed the release of the draft list under the Special Inclusion of Records (SIR) initiative, expressing satisfaction that voter inclusion has been prioritised in the process.

Speaking to the media, Rafi said, “It is encouraging to see that every voter's name is included in the SIR. This issue has been actively raised, even in Parliament.” He underlined that the matter of voter inclusion had not only been taken up politically but also reached the judiciary, where the Supreme Court reaffirmed that voting is a fundamental right.

“The Court has clearly stated that voting is a fundamental right, and if any voter is left out of the SIR, the Court must be informed,” Rafi said, highlighting the legal obligation to ensure comprehensive voter enrollment.

The TDP leader also spoke about his party’s active role in the matter, noting that a delegation had recently met with the Election Commission in Delhi. During the meeting, the party shared its concerns and offered practical suggestions to strengthen voter inclusion.

“One of our key recommendations was that every eligible voter should be enrolled using any valid identity proof,” Rafi explained, advocating for a flexible and inclusive approach to voter registration.