SIR must be monitored, vote theft prevented in Tamil Nadu, says CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday emphasised that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls must be closely monitored to prevent any possibility of “vote theft” in the state. Speaking at a public function, Stalin, who is also the DMK president, underlined that safeguarding voter rights and preventing irregularities is a crucial responsibility for both the party and the electorate.

Stalin’s remarks came amid heightened political attention on the SIR exercise, which aims to update and revise the voter lists in Tamil Nadu. The DMK has openly opposed the exercise, arguing that it could be misused, and filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging it. The Chief Minister said that while the legal process is ongoing, the actual voter list revision work is proceeding simultaneously, making vigilant monitoring essential.

He pointed out that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have begun visiting households since November 4 to distribute voter verification forms. Citizens are required to submit these forms by December 4 to ensure their names are included in the updated voter lists. “If we are away at work, engaged in other tasks, or not present at home during these visits, we risk losing our voting rights,” Stalin warned, urging voters to cooperate fully. The Election Commission will also carry out three rounds of checks until December 4 to verify submissions.

To assist citizens, the DMK has set up a dedicated help desk at its headquarters, headed by the party’s legal wing secretary, senior advocate N.R. Elango. Additionally, the Election Commission has provided a helpline to resolve queries related to the SIR process. Stalin said that these measures are aimed at ensuring that no eligible voter is excluded due to technicalities or oversight.

The Chief Minister also announced that the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance will stage protests in district headquarters on November 11 to express their opposition to the SIR exercise. He highlighted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has led significant protest movements in other states, citing instances of alleged “vote theft” in Karnataka and Haryana, and stressed that similar situations must not occur in Tamil Nadu. Stalin urged every DMK Booth Level Agent (BLA) to take responsibility for protecting voter rights, describing them as “guardians of democracy” at their polling stations.

In a broader historical context, Stalin recalled the party’s struggles during the Emergency (1975-77), when over 500 DMK members were arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). He referred to the imprisonment of veteran leader ‘MISA’ Elumalai and party supporter Kumarasamy from Virudhachalam, highlighting the sacrifices made by party members to uphold democratic principles during that period.

The Chief Minister’s speech also contained a pointed, veiled reference to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder Vijay, who has taken a strong stance against the DMK. Stalin remarked that while some may dream of destroying the party, “no one can even dare to touch this movement.” He stressed that the DMK, having withstood numerous political storms over decades, would continue to remain resilient.

Stalin made these remarks while presiding over the wedding of Dileepan Babu, the grandson of ‘MISA’ Elumalai, symbolically linking the party’s historic struggle for democracy to its present political vigilance. “Prevention must be our duty,” the Chief Minister said, reiterating the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent voter verification process.

By combining historical perspective with immediate electoral concerns, Stalin sought to mobilise both party workers and citizens to actively participate in monitoring the SIR exercise, thereby protecting the integrity of democracy in Tamil Nadu.