EC carries Special Summary Revision to silence opposition after voter deletions in SIR: DMK

Chennai: The opposition DMK on Friday alleged that Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the electoral roll, ordered by the Election Commission on November 12, is an attempt to pacify opposition parties following extensive voter deletions under the SIR, warning that it will fight if irregularities occur in the upcoming exercise.

Election Commission announced an SSR across 17 states and Union Territories, with January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date. The exercise begins with a draft publication on November 12, followed by a claims window ending on December 11, and a final publication on January 4, 2027.

"They want to silence the opposition parties. Many names were removed during SIR. So they want to come to a compromise situation. So they are promoting SSR," senior leader and DMK spokesperson T K S Elangovan told PTI Videos.


He added that opposition parties are closely watching the process: "At least now people will be silent. The opposition parties will be silent. Let us see what happens in SSR. If this SSR is also wrong, we will fight it."

He also aimed the Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over the SIR row, stating that he should have openly called out the BJP and key decision-makers instead of evading direct confrontation.

"He should speak out about who did it, who was the reason for it. He must mention their names. But he's not talking about Gyanesh Kumar or the BJP. He only says that something wrong is happening, that's all. He's afraid of them," Elangovan alleged.

Elangovan further criticised the Election Commission's functioning over notices issued to anti-CAA protest actor Imran Khan, claiming that the constitutional body was tilting in favour of the ruling party at the Centre.

Weighing in on reports that the District Collector inspected polling stations in the Tiruchirappalli East constituency, Elangovan remarked, "Maybe they are planning for elections there."

He also brushed aside allegations of hoarding by political parties, in view of the rising price of fine variety rice, calling such remarks completely baseless and "charges based on foolishness".

Referring to the inauguration of Periyar Arivulagam, a knowledge centre in Coimbatore, by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, the DMK leader called it a proud moment dedicated to the legacy of the social reformer Periyar. He also noted that the foundation and construction of the ambitious project were carried out by the previous DMK government.

"We built everything, but when it is time for opening, we are not in power, so he (TN CM C Joseph Vijay) is opening. However, no matter who is inaugurating, the tribute should go to Periyar, our great leader," Elangovan said.

Addressing the AIADMK lodging a complaint with the Governor over alleged poaching and horse-trading of MLAs, Elangovan backed the allegations, pointing to open claims that 15 MLAs were waiting to shift allegiance to TVK.

On the row surrounding the delayed appeal to the Ministry of External Affairs regarding fishermen's grievances, Elangovan accused executive authorities of neglecting public distress and fishermen's livelihood issues in favour of personal decisions guided by astrological advice.