Prakash Raj Criticizes Election Process at Press Conference
Hyderabad, October 3, 2026 – Actor and activist Prakash Raj expressed his concerns about the Special Inclusion Registration (SIR) process during a press conference held at the Press Club here on Saturday. He highlighted the recent conclusion of the Ganesha idol immersion during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, stating, “While the visarjan of Ganesha idols is over, the visarjan of CEC Gyanesh Kumar continues.”
Raj’s comments came in the context of disturbing reports indicating that around 3.8 million appeals from voters in West Bengal, who have been removed from the electoral rolls, are currently waiting to be resolved. He pointed out that it could take as long as 10 to 12 years for these cases to be addressed, raising the question of whether so many people should be left in limbo for such an extended period.
“While Ganesh visarjan is finished across Karnataka, Andhra, and the rest of India, the issue of Gyanesh Kumar remains unresolved,” he added.
Initially touted as a process to clean up the electoral rolls, Raj accused SIR of being more of a deletion strategy rather than an inclusive one. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that elections represent real citizens, not mere numbers. Following a 10-day tour of various districts, Raj claimed many people told him they were removed from the rolls simply because they weren’t at home when a Booth Level Officer (BLO) visited their area.
He also highlighted the plight of daily wage workers forced to move away for jobs, stating that this group has been disproportionately affected by the electoral roll clean-up.
In his critical remarks, Raj questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who regularly addresses the nation through his ‘Mann ki Baat’ program, had adequately informed the public about the SIR process. He advocated for the SIR to be completely halted and abolished.
In response to Raj’s remarks, N.V. Subhash, the Telangana BJP chief spokesperson, accused him of insulting the Chief Election Commissioner. He argued that while criticism of the Election Commission is permissible, comparing the CEC to an idol immersion crosses a line into disrespect.
“Democracy thrives on discussion, not derision,” Subhash stated, suggesting that if Raj had legitimate complaints regarding SIR, he should present his evidence formally rather than resorting to inflammatory public speeches.
Simultaneously, protests led by the Telangana People’s Front, Cockroach Janta Party, and other groups occurred, calling for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, scrapping of the SIR process, and repealing the CEC Act of 2023. Protesters displayed signs urging Gyanesh Kumar to resign and called for measures to safeguard democracy.
