Owaisi Urges Telangana Graduates to Register for MLC Polls via Form 18
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi calls on Telangana graduates to use Form 18 for MLC election registration before the deadline.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has made a strong appeal to eligible graduates across Telangana to ensure they are registered to vote in the upcoming Telangana Legislative Council (MLC) elections. The leader specifically urged qualified citizens to utilize Form 18 to secure their voting rights for the two critical Graduate Constituency seats.
The Push for Voter Enrolment
Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Owaisi emphasized that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is currently overseeing the voter enrolment process for two key constituencies. He stressed the importance of participation in these elections to ensure that the voices of the educated populace are represented in the legislative council.
The two Graduate Constituencies in question are:
- Hyderabad–Ranga Reddy–Mahabubnagar
- Nalgonda–Khammam–Warangal
"I am appealing to all of you who reside in the state of Telangana," Owaisi stated, reminding graduates that this is their opportunity to exercise their democratic right in the MLC elections.
Eligibility and How to Register
According to the AIMIM chief, there is a specific eligibility criterion regarding the timing of the degree completion. To be eligible for registration, individuals must have obtained their degree certificates prior to November 1, 2023.
Registration Methods
Owaisi outlined two primary ways for eligible graduates to complete their registration using Form 18:
- Online Registration: Applicants can visit the official portal of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Telangana to submit their details digitally.
- Physical Submission: Those who prefer offline methods can submit their applications through designated official centers.
Controversy Over Deadlines
While Owaisi is encouraging registration, the process has not been without friction. Earlier in the day, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) spokesperson Manne Krishank raised concerns regarding the enrolment drive. The BRS leader alleged that there have been administrative lapses and irregularities in how the graduate voter enrolment is being handled.
In light of these alleged issues, the BRS has urged the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to officially extend the current registration deadline, which is set for November 6, to allow more citizens to register without hurdles.