SIR: Stalin Accuses Election Commission of 'Trick' to Delete Voters

The chief minister's allies elaborated on the charge, framing the SIR as a multi-pronged assault on electoral fairness and a conspiracy by the BJP.

The Wire Staff

The chief minister's allies elaborated on the charge, framing the SIR as a multi-pronged assault on electoral fairness and a conspiracy by the BJP.

sir stalin accuses election commission of trick to delete voters

File image. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin during the party's training session titled 'My Polling Booth, Winning Booth', at Mamallapuram in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. Photo: PTI.

Visakhapatnam: Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin on November 2 led a united front of allied parties in accusing the Election Commission of deploying a "mere trick to delete the names of genuine voters" through its special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls just months before the assembly election.

Chairing a multi-party meeting of 40 regional and national parties, Stalin condemned the exercise, claiming it was modelled on a similar process in Bihar that had disenfranchised citizens. "Voting is the body and soul of democracy, and that right is facing a threat," he declared. "We are not against reforms, but the SIR... is being introduced in many states, including Tamil Nadu. It is the need of the hour to express Tamil Nadu's objections."

The chief minister's allies elaborated on the charge, framing the SIR as a multi-pronged assault on electoral fairness and a conspiracy by the BJP.

Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani argued the process lacked a legal foundation, stating there was "no provision in the Constitution for conducting the SIR across a state." Meanwhile, other leaders claimed it was a deliberate strategy to manipulate the electorate. MDMK general secretary Vaiko alleged the revision was a BJP-led plot to enfranchise outsiders, warning, "If the SIR is allowed, over 75 lakh voters from other States will be voting in the election in Tamil Nadu."

The principal opposition party, AIADMK, has opted to engage with the process. General secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday instructed his party functionaries to closely monitor the SIR as announced by the Election Commission and to actively participate in the exercise.

Leaders in the DMK alliance, however, remained resolute in their opposition. VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan called for public action, stating, "We need to create awareness among the people... We should at least organise a demonstration to express our objection to the SIR."

This article went live on November third, two thousand twenty five, at thirty-eight minutes past eleven in the morning.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.