Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin slammed the Election Commission's move to conduct Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in the poll-bound state in 'haste'. Calling it Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) sinister plan, Stalin said its 'daydreams' will never be fulfilled in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing Dravida Munnetra Kazahagam (DMK) party workers during an event in Mahabalipuram on Tuesday, Stalin charged 65 lakh voters were removed from the electoral roll during the Bihar SIR, where assembly elections are underway. "BJP and its ally AIADMK are hoping to win elections by snatching away voting rights of the people," he charged.Stalin said only DMK has the willpower in Tamil Nadu to fight against SIR. The DMK chief advised party workers to keep vigil against SIR and ensure all eligible voters are part of the electoral roll.
The DMK had opposed the SIR exercise in Bihar as well, and was one of the petitioners against the Election Commission, challenging SIR, in the Supreme Court.
Also read
- Thiruparankundram temple row explained: The making of an 'Ayodhya of the south'?
- Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran arrested in Thirupparankundram 'Karthigai Deepam' row
- Holiday for schools in Chennai on Dec 4? IMD predicts heavy downpour in these districts
- Karur stampede: SC monitoring committee evaluates investigation into fatal tragedy at TVK Rally
Stalin said carrying out SIR, just months before the election, and especially during the monsoon months of November and December, brings serious practical difficulties. "To conduct SIR in a hasty and opaque manner is nothing but a conspiracy by the ECI to rob citizens of their rights and help the BJP," Stalin charged on Monday after the EC declared the schedule for nationwide SIR. The second phase of SIR will cover 12 states and Union territories, and the Commission plans to publish final electoral roll by February next year.