TVK chief Vijay calls SIR a threat to democratic rights, accuses DMK of political theatrics

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Sunday (November 2, 2025) strongly objected to the proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll to be carried out by the Election Commission of India in Tamil Nadu and a few other States, saying the exercise undermines the democratic rights of the people.

In a statement, Mr. Vijay said his party had opposed the SIR when its first phase was carried out in Bihar. Following the exercise, lakhs of voters in Bihar were removed from the electoral roll, he alleged.

“Opposition parties have consistently alleged that through this exercise certain sections of voters, particularly minorities, were deliberately targeted and deleted. The matter is still pending in the Supreme Court. When clear explanations have not been provided about the first phase, how can the conduct of the second phase be justified? With 6.36 crore voters in Tamil Nadu, how can their identities be verified within just 30 days?” Mr. Vijay questioned.

He said his party believes that all Opposition parties should come together, beyond political differences, to protect the people’s democratic rights. “At the same time, we are fully aware of the DMK’s attempts to use this issue for its own political gains. The neighbouring Kerala government has already passed a resolution in the State Assembly opposing the SIR, demonstrating its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights. Why has the DMK, which claims to oppose the exercise, not passed a similar resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly?” Mr. Vijay asked.

He said his party was invited by the State government to participate in the all-party meeting opposing the delimitation process. “We attended and expressed our firm stand in defence of people’s rights. But the DMK’s intent behind the separate all-party meeting on SIR appears to be a political drama aimed at diverting attention from the mounting corruption allegations against the government ahead of the elections,” he alleged.

“It was our party that first raised its voice against the SIR. Was the DMK asleep at that time, or was it in a state of amnesia due to its covert ties with the BJP-led Union government? Now, pretending to have suddenly woken up, the DMK is trying to project itself as the sole defender of democracy. This is nothing but political hypocrisy. Does the DMK think that it can fool everyone, like it does its alliance partners, with its theatrics?” he said.

He also said his party would organise awareness programmes and seminars across the State to highlight the implications of the SIR.