AIADMK criticises DMK over Tamil Nadu Special Electoral Revision

The DMK and its allies have been criticised by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami over the ongoing Special Electoral Revision (SIR) exercise in Tamil Nadu. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he alleged that the ruling party was creating confusion through a false campaign regarding the revision of electoral rolls.

It was stated by Palaniswami that a month-long period is sufficient for the Election Commission to update voter lists. The DMK’s contention that the one-month deadline is inadequate was described as unacceptable by him. He pointed out that booth slips are distributed to voters in just five days before elections, questioning why electoral rolls could not be updated within 30 days.

According to Palaniswami, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) can cover approximately 300 houses in eight days, making the one-month timeline for voter list revision adequate. He asked why the DMK and its allies were opposing the SIR, suggesting that if the ruling party resisted updating the rolls, it could imply an intent to retain ineligible voters.

The AIADMK leader emphasised that electoral roll revision is necessary to remove the names of voters who have passed away or shifted constituencies, ensuring that the rolls contain only eligible voters. He alleged that the opposition’s stance could encourage bogus voting, a claim presented as his opinion.

Palaniswami also criticised the state government for delaying the appointment of a Director General of Police, which, according to him, has hampered the police department’s ability to maintain law and order effectively.

It is noted that SIR, as referred to in Tamil Nadu, is specific to the state. While electoral rolls are revised regularly across India, the one-month special revision exercise is not a nationwide program.