DMK ally flags voter deletion concerns ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Thirumavalavan, president of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and an INDIA bloc ally, made the disclosure while addressing party workers at a demonstration in Chennai on Thursday. He stated that he had previously alerted Stalin to the likelihood of 'targeted' deletions from electoral rolls in the Kolathur assembly segment, a key political battleground in the state.

The protest was organized to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with opposition parties alleging procedural violations during the Special Inclusive Review (SIR) exercise conducted to update the voter database. The opposition contended that the process resulted in systematic removal of eligible voters, particularly from opposition-leaning constituencies.

The SIR exercise, intended to add new voters and correct existing entries, has become a flash point in Tamil Nadu politics, with several parties questioning the methodology and outcomes. Opposition leaders have raised concerns that the irregularities could impact voter participation and fair representation in assembly elections.

Thirumavalavan's revelation underscores growing tensions between coalition partners over election management and has added pressure on the poll administration to address transparency concerns. The controversy reflects broader apprehensions in southern states about electoral processes and voter registration exercises.