Prakash Raj joins Hyderabad protests against Election Commission's voter revision

Actor and activist Prakash Raj joined protesters in Hyderabad on October 3, 2026, to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the immediate halting of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Raj alleged that the SIR, described as a cleaning process, has instead functioned as a mass deletion of names from electoral rolls. He claimed that citizens, including daily wage workers, have been removed simply for being absent during visits by Booth Level Officers. He further criticized the handling of voter appeals, noting reports that millions of appeals regarding removed names remain pending in tribunals.

During the protest at Dharna Chowk, Raj characterized the situation as a “murder of democracy.” In response to his remarks, Telangana BJP spokesperson NV Subhash criticized the actor, stating that comparing the Chief Election Commissioner to an idol immersion during festivities crossed the line from political criticism to disrespect for a constitutional institution.