Danam Nagender Flags Deletion of 20,000 Voter Names in Hyderabad

Danam Nagender has alleged that around 20,000 eligible voters in Hyderabad have been removed from the electoral rolls and demanded their immediate restoration, saying those affected must be allowed to exercise their voting rights.

Speaking to the media in Hyderabad, Nagender claimed that the names of genuine voters had been deleted from the current electoral rolls despite some of them having a history of voting in previous elections. He said the deletions included people who had cast their votes in 2000 and 2002, as well as some voters who exercised their franchise during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Nagender demanded that the authorities investigate the alleged deletions and take criminal action against those responsible, alleging that some individuals had acted in collusion with the BJP. He maintained that the removal of names from the electoral rolls had deprived thousands of eligible citizens of their fundamental voting rights.

The former MLA warned that a protest movement would be launched in Hyderabad if the 20,000 deleted names were not restored. He made strong remarks about the possible intensity of the agitation, saying the situation could reach a point where election-related offices or other government establishments might face attacks or arson. He also stated that those responsible for such actions would not be his responsibility.

Nagender had represented the Khairatabad Assembly constituency and is expected to be among the possible Congress contenders in the upcoming by-election. His political status changed after the Telangana High Court disqualified him as an MLA on September 18.

The court's decision followed Nagender's political switch while he was still serving as a BRS MLA. He had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Secunderabad as a Congress candidate while continuing to hold his Assembly membership under the BRS banner.

The Telangana High Court held that his continuation as an MLA was legally untenable and declared him disqualified from the Assembly. The court further clarified that the disqualification would take effect retrospectively from April 23, 2024.

Nagender's latest allegations over voter deletions come as preparations for the Khairatabad by-election are expected to gather pace. His demand for restoration of the alleged 20,000 names has now added another issue to the electoral debate surrounding the constituency.