INDIA bloc leaders in Tamil Nadu stage protest against SIR, seek CEC's resignation

They allege the exercise threatens democratic rights, and call for the agitation to be extended across Tamil Nadu

The INDIA bloc constituents in Tamil Nadu on Thursday staged a protest in Chennai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the restoration of eligible voters removed from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Leaders alleged the exercise threatened democratic rights and called for the agitation to be extended across Tamil Nadu.

Citing the principle of inclusive democracy, he alleged women, young people, members of oppressed communities and first-time voters had been disproportionately affected. He said the different political parties had to sustain their unity to protect voting rights and democratic institutions.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore said the INDIA bloc would extend the protest to districts across Tamil Nadu after consultations among its leaders.

He said the alliance brought together parties with different ideologies and histories, but they were united by the need to protect democracy and seek the withdrawal of the SIR. He also welcomed TVK's participation in the protest and said its entry had strengthened the alliance in Tamil Nadu.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan said the protest was part of a wider struggle to protect the Constitution and democracy. He demanded that Mr. Gyanesh Kumar resign and eligible voters removed from the rolls be reinstated after individual verification.

Mr. Thirumavalavan alleged the deletions had disproportionately affected marginalised communities and accused the ruling establishment of using the process to undermine its political opponents.

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko said the removal of voters under the SIR amounted to an attack on the foundations of democracy. Calling the demonstration a warning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said the agitation would continue until Mr. Gyanesh Kumar was removed from office.

P. Shanmugam, state secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), condemned the police action against protesters in Delhi and demanded it be stopped immediately. Questioning the scale of deletions, he sought the restoration of eligible voters' names and said every citizen who had attained the age of 18 must be guaranteed the right to vote.

M. Veerapandian, state secretary, Communist Party of India (CPI), Social Welfare Minister Vanni Arasu, Pazha. Aasaithambi, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation; former MLA K. A. M. Muhammed Abubacker of the Indian Union Muslim League also participated.