TVK Joins Congress-Led INDIA Bloc Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Intensifies Fight Over SIR

Tamil Nadu’s ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the Congress and other INDIA bloc constituents on Thursday, October 15, joined forces in Chennai to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, intensifying the opposition’s campaign against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The “Protect Democracy” demonstration was led by Congress MP B. Manickam Tagore and brought together leaders of the seven INDIA bloc constituents in Tamil Nadu. The parties accused the Election Commission’s handling of voter-list revision of threatening democratic rights and electoral fairness, demanding greater transparency and accountability.

The protest marked TVK’s first participation in an anti-CEC agitation since joining the INDIA bloc on October 3, signalling closer coordination between the party and other opposition groups on electoral issues.

Among the leaders associated with the mobilisation were TVK leader and School Education Minister A. Rajmohan, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko, and Indian Union Muslim League chief K.M. Kader Mohideen.

CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam, CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian, CPI(ML) state secretary Pala Asaithamby and Congress’s Tamil Nadu in-charge Nivedit Alva were also named among the participants.

The agitation comes amid mounting opposition criticism of SIR, with parties raising concerns about the possible exclusion of eligible voters and calling for safeguards in the revision process. Such concerns remain allegations requiring scrutiny through transparent verification and established procedures.

TVK’s participation gives the Congress-led mobilisation a broader regional base, although the alliance’s ability to secure changes remains uncertain. The protest also unfolds amid shifting political equations in Tamil Nadu, where the Congress has backed the TVK-led government.

The larger battle now centres on whether opposition pressure can translate into greater transparency in voter verification, protection against wrongful exclusions and accountability in election administration.