Tamil Nadu Deputy CM accuses Centre of voter disenfranchisement

In a press conference in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the Centre’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive, alleging a significant number of voters have been deemed ineligible across the state. He echoed Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s concerns that the SIR process is targeting votes of minorities, Dalits, and Muslims, calling it a deliberate move to disenfranchise vulnerable communities.
Udhayanidhi stated that approximately 97 lakh names have been removed from the voters’ list in Tamil Nadu, with Chennai alone accounting for around 14 lakh deletions. He urged citizens to verify promptly if their names are still on the electoral roll, emphasizing that the ruling DMK party would assist those whose names have been omitted.
Accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of trying to influence Tamil Nadu’s politics with strategies from Delhi, Udhayanidhi dismissed Shah’s claims of BJP’s success in Bihar and targeting Tamil Nadu. He asserted that such tactics might work in northern states but not in Tamil Nadu, where people are politically aware and resilient against intimidation.
Emphasizing the importance of citizens confirming their voting rights, Udhayanidhi urged individuals to check if their names are intact and re-register if necessary. He assured affected voters of the DMK’s support in the re-registration process.
As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, these allegations are expected to escalate the political tension between the state government and the Centre regarding electoral reforms and voter list revisions. The BJP aims to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, while the DMK positions itself as a guardian of democratic rights and minority interests, setting the stage for a contentious electoral battle in the near future.