Mahesh Babu, Rajamouli Among VVIPs Who Received SIR Notices: Here’s Why
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Hyderabad has brought several prominent names under the Election Commission’s microscope. Popular film personalities, sportspersons and business leaders have been among those who have received notices asking for clarification over discrepancies in their voter records.
Superstar Mahesh Babu, filmmaker SS Rajamouli, former cricketer VVS Laxman, former badminton players Pullela Gopichand and Saina Nehwal, former cricketer Mithali Raj and major business people like Divi’s Murali Krishna Prasad and Apollo’s Upasana Konidela are among the names listed in the notices.
The notices do not necessarily indicate that these people have been accused of wrongdoing. But they are part of the electoral roll verification process being carried out by election authorities.
Why did Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli receive notices?
The Election Commission’s list “List of Persons to whom Notices Have Been Issued (After Draft Roll Published on 17-08-2026),” contains the names of voters whose electoral details need clarification.
The reasons cited against different voters are different. They include name mismatches, being “unmapped with last SIR,” and discrepancies involving the parent’s name. In some cases, the reason column has been left blank.
Mahesh Babu and his wife Namrata Shirodkar are among the film personalities whose names appear in the list. Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has also received a notice.
Other well-known names in the entertainment industry include actor Venkatesh Daggubati and his two daughters, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Vijay Deverakonda, and his brother Anand Deverakonda, amongst others.
The appearance of their names in the notice list indicates that election officials want the concerned voters to clarify or verify information recorded in the electoral rolls.
What is the purpose of the SIR exercise?
The Special Intensive Revision is for the verification of electoral records and voter rolls to be updated and accurate.
During the process, election officials check voter details and compare them with previous electoral records. Where officials notice a discrepancy or cannot connect them to previous records, notices are issued to voters for a hearing and clarification or supporting information.
This process can affect even the most ordinary voters as well as celebrities. Hence, the prominent figures on the list attracted considerable attention.
VIPs can authorise someone to attend the hearing
RV Karnan, district election officer, Hyderabad, said there is an option for VIPs who cannot personally attend the hearing to authorise another person to appear on their behalf.
“There is an option, especially in the case of VIPs, to authorise someone to appear for the hearing if they are unavailable. There is still time, and many well-known people are yet to appear for hearings,” he said.
This means receiving a notice does not necessarily indicate the loss of voting rights. The concerned voter can still respond to the notice and provide the necessary clarification during the ongoing hearing process.
Why has the issue raised concerns?
While celebrities have been on the front page of the news, social activists have also been asking a bigger question about ordinary voters.
Activists have pointed out that if well-known individuals with access to information, professional assistance and resources can receive notices over voter-record discrepancies, the process may be considerably more difficult for ordinary citizens who may not immediately understand why their names have been flagged.
The problem is particularly acute for voters who may not know the revision process or could not make it to the election officials and submit the required documents.
Hearings Are Still Underway
The election authorities have initiated verification and hearings. Voters who received notices can still seek clarification and provide the correct information.
The controversy surrounding Mahesh Babu, Rajamouli and others also highlights an important aspect of the SIR exercise: A notice is primarily a request for verification and clarification, not a declaration that a person has committed an electoral offence.
As the hearings proceed, the focus will remain on resolving discrepancies and ensuring that eligible voters are correctly represented in the electoral rolls.
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