Tamil Nadu Parties Differ on Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

Tamil Nadu Parties Differ on Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

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UPDATED :
Kolkata, India | Oct 30, 2025, 01:05 IST
4 Min read
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Chennai, Wednesday 29 October 2025 — Representatives of major political parties in Tamil Nadu expressed divergent views on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls during a meeting chaired by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik on Wednesday. The session, convened by the Election Commission to seek feedback from recognised parties, reflected contrasting positions between the ruling and opposition blocs over the timing and intent of the revision exercise.

Core Event and Announcement

The meeting, held in Chennai, was part of the Election Commission’s statewide consultation on the SIR process, intended to update and verify voter lists ahead of upcoming elections. The Commission had earlier announced that the revision would involve the removal of deceased voters and verification of those who had relocated. Representatives from the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, BJP, Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, CPI(M), National People’s Party, DMDK, CPI, Naam Tamilar Katchi, and VCK attended the session.

Party Responses and Statements

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) questioned the urgency of the exercise. Party representative R.S. Bharathi described the meeting as a “joke,” noting that the electoral rolls had already been frozen on October 27. He stated that while the DMK was “not opposed to the revision,” the timing raised concerns. “When elections are due in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry in a few months, the Election Commission, with an ulterior motive, has made this announcement in a hurry,” he said. Mr. Bharathi also pointed to the Northeast monsoon and the December–January vacation period as factors that could affect public participation. He alleged that the Commission’s decision resembled practices used in other states and urged it to postpone the process, adding that “no one has wholeheartedly accepted SIR in Tamil Nadu.”

The AIADMK, led by D. Jayakumar, welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step toward maintaining clean electoral rolls. “SIR is a good initiative as it would remove dead electors and those who have moved out of their constituencies,” he said. Mr. Jayakumar suggested that the timeframe for the revision be extended to ensure comprehensive verification. On whether his party would attend a meeting on SIR convened by Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin, he said the leadership would decide.

From the Congress, senior leader K.V. Thangkabalu reiterated his party’s opposition, citing concerns over feasibility and timing. He questioned why an exercise that usually takes a year was being condensed into a few months. “Tamil Nadu generally receives rainfall between November and January,” he said, expressing doubts over public participation during the monsoon. The Congress, he added, recommended that the process be postponed until after the elections.

In contrast, BJP functionary Karu. Nagarajan supported the Commission’s move, terming it a reform that could produce “genuine electoral rolls.” “This is a good opportunity for the people of Tamil Nadu,” he said, adding that SIR had been conducted eight times nationally. Mr. Nagarajan called for cooperation among citizens and political parties and noted that even those who opposed the exercise had not objected to its objective but sought additional time for its completion.

Context and Background

The Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls is a periodic exercise undertaken by the Election Commission to update voter lists and ensure the integrity of electoral data. It includes identifying duplicate entries, removing names of deceased voters, and verifying address changes. The current revision comes as Tamil Nadu and neighboring states prepare for upcoming Assembly elections. The process has attracted attention due to its proximity to the polls and logistical challenges during the monsoon period.

Broader Reactions and Observations

While the ruling party and several opposition groups cited administrative and climatic constraints, supporters of the SIR emphasized the importance of accuracy in the voter database. Political observers note that such revisions are standard practice before major elections to maintain transparency in the democratic process. However, concerns persist about whether the compressed schedule allows sufficient time for voter verification in rural and urban areas alike.

 

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Implications and Next Steps

If implemented as scheduled, the SIR is expected to strengthen voter authentication and reduce discrepancies in the electoral system. The Election Commission may consider feedback from parties before finalizing the revision calendar. Any adjustments to the timeline would likely depend on weather conditions and administrative readiness in various districts.

The Chief Electoral Officer is expected to submit a report summarizing party feedback to the Election Commission of India. Further directives on the timeline or procedural modifications for the SIR are anticipated in the coming weeks as Tamil Nadu prepares for the electoral season.

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