Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin claimed in a video message on Sunday that the SIR could impact the voting rights of the people of the state, as it poses a risk of disenfranchising them. He also targeted the BJP. Stalin said in his message, “Despite our continued opposition, the SIR work has begun. Many people are still not fully aware of the process. Therefore, this video is to explain why the DMK is opposing the SIR and to provide guidance to the people on how to protect their voting rights.”
He stated that a correct and authentic voter list forms the basis for fair elections. The DMK is not opposed to the revision of the voter list, but emphasized that with only a few months left for the elections, it would be inappropriate to rush through it without adequate time. He emphasized that voting rights are an indisputable and fundamental right of democracy.
DMK Releases Helpline Number
CM Stalin stated that the current SIR has affected the voting rights of all people in Tamil Nadu. To counter this, the DMK has launched a helpline. This is not just for DMK members but will also help the general public. He stated that people can address their concerns on the helpline number 08065420020.
Protests at All District Headquarters on November 11
In an eight-minute video posted on X, CM Stalin stated that the party believes the SIR is a “conspiracy” and is therefore protesting. The party not only discussed the issue with its allies but also filed a case in the Supreme Court. He stated that the party has also announced protests on behalf of the Secular Progressive Alliance at all district headquarters on November 11.
Confusion in the Minds of the People Regarding the SIR
The Chief Minister stressed that the SIR process has created confusion in the minds of the people. He said, “Some of you may have received this form by now. I did too. First, they ask for our information, then the name of the voter’s relative from the previous voter revision list. Furthermore, there was no clarity on whose name should be included first—the voter’s or the relative’s.”
Call to DMK Workers
Earlier, CM Stalin held a virtual interaction with party district secretaries from the DMK headquarters in Chennai and instructed party officials and constituency in-charges to be vigilant in SIR-related work. He called on DMK workers to ensure that no eligible voter is left out during the ongoing SIR in the state. He said that his interactions with the public revealed a lack of awareness about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.
The DMK has opposed the SIR in Tamil Nadu. The party says this process could lead to the exclusion of poor and marginalized people from the electoral rolls. The counting of voters under the SIR will run from November 4th to December 4th. Discussion on this In a virtual meeting held for Chief Minister Stalin said, “Not a single eligible voter’s name should be left out in the SIR exercise. Similarly, ensure that the names of ineligible voters are not included in the list.”
