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Chennai, Oct 27 (IANS) As the Election Commission of India (ECI) formally announced the launch of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states, including Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday held discussions with colleagues to formulate a joint response to the move.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the second phase of the nationwide SIR process will be conducted in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
This work was earlier completed in Bihar for the purpose of verification and updating of voter lists.
The announcement comes amid sharp criticism from Chief Minister Stalin, who had earlier accused the Election Commission and the BJP of conspiring to disenfranchise large sections of voters – especially the working class, Scheduled Castes, minorities and women – through the Bihar exercise.
Stalin had publicly demanded that the Commission withdraw the SIR scheme, alleging that it was being used as a political tool.
Following the announcement, the Chief Minister called an all-party meeting at the Secretariat (Arivalayam) to discuss the state’s stand.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko, CPI state secretary Veerapandian, former Congress state president KV Thangkabalu and VCK MP Ravi Kumar, among others, attended the meeting.
The leaders reportedly expressed concern over possible misuse of the voter list revision process and urged the ECI to ensure transparency and fairness.
However, taking the opposite stand, the AIADMK extended full support to the Election Commission’s initiative.
Former minister D. Jayakumar said, “We wholeheartedly welcome the Election Commission’s decision to conduct special revision of electoral rolls. It is a legitimate and transparent administrative process that strengthens democracy. We only urge the Commission to ensure that the state government officials involved in this exercise act neutrally and impartially.”
The different reactions of the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK indicate the emergence of a new political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
With the ECI expected to start the groundwork soon, the political scenario of the state is once again set for heated debates on voter rights, neutrality and integrity of the electoral process.
–IANS
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