DMK strongly criticized the Election Commission of India over mass voter deletions during the Bihar SIR exercise. The party alleged, “ECI is collaborating with BJP to compromise free and fair elections,” raising serious concerns nationwide.
The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu launched a strong criticism against Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that “it is collaborating with the BJP to compromise free and fair elections through mass voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar.“
At a meeting of the DMK’s district secretaries, chaired by party president and Chief Minister M K Stalin, resolutions were passed condemning the removal of 6.5 million voters in Bihar, despite a Supreme Court warning against such “mass deletions” without proper procedures.
The resolution characterized this action as “anti-democratic and an attempt to shake up the level playing field” ahead of the elections.
The DMK accused the ECI of becoming “political” in its election and voter roll management, particularly following the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the panel that selects Election Commissioners.
The party claimed the ECI was siding with the BJP’s “electoral frauds and mocking democracy.”
Additionally, the meeting highlighted that on July 17, five DMK MPs met with the Chief Election Commissioner to present a memorandum calling for corrective measures, including the removal of only deceased voters, better coordination with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), the issuance of voter roll manuals in regional languages, clearer postal ballot counting, and acceptance of various documents like Aadhaar and ration cards as proof of residence and age.
The DMK urged the ECI to verify and finalize voter rolls transparently and impartially before starting election procedures in Tamil Nadu and other states.
In response to allegations of irregularities, the Election Commission has asked Rahul Gandhi to file a complaint under oath, which he has declined. The Congress party criticized the ECI for acting as if it were a court. The BJP, on the other hand, denied the allegations, asserting that the Election Commission operates independently to maintain its integrity.
A separate resolution celebrated the DMK’s “Ooraniyil Tamil Nadu” membership drive, which Stalin noted had reached every household in the state.
The DMK claimed that this campaign not only increased its membership but also conveyed a clear message that divisive forces and those “betraying Tamil Nadu” have no place in the state’s politics.
Having won three consecutive elections, the ruling DMK is maintaining its alliance and is optimistic about securing a second consecutive term, bolstered by flagship programs such as the Rs.1000 monthly assistance and free bus rides for women, along with recent outreach efforts.
The main opposition party, AIADMK, has rekindled its ties with the BJP and is focusing on issues such as law and order, crimes against women, and drug abuse.