Tamil Nadu SIR | Even a minor error could lead to exclusion from electoral roll: CM Stalin raises doubts over EC's enumeration forms

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin raised questions over the enumeration forms distributed as part of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state and warned voters and party workers to stay vigilant. Stalin said even a minor error in the enumeration form could lead to the exclusion of a voter's name from the electoral roll.

 

In a video shared through X, Stalin said several questions pertain over the enumeration forms distributed for SIR in Tamil Nadu. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader said while they are not opposed to the purification of electoral rolls, it should not be done in haste, just months ahead of crucial elections.

 

Stalin said many are still not aware of SIR, and there are several doubts over the enumeration forms distributed by the Election Commission. Stalin said, "The name of the relative of the voter in the previous electoral revision list has been asked. There is no mention of who the relative is:  Father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, or children? Everybody will be on the voters' list. Is there any clarity on this?"

 

He added, "In the place where the voter's relative's name is mentioned, the name is asked first and then the voter's photo ID number. Thirdly, the name of the relative has been asked again. First, who should write the name? Is it the name of the voter who is applying or the name of the relative?"

 

 

Stalin said it's "scary" to think that even a small error could lead to the removal of a voter's name from the list. Saying DMK has opposed SIR since its inception, Stalin raised doubts over whether the Election Commission will be able to complete the enumeration exercise by December 7. "This confirms the fear that a large number of voters will be eliminated," Stalin said. 

 

The DMK has launched a helpline number to assist voters with SIR. The party has moved the Supreme Court against the exercise underway in Tamil Nadu. The top court is likely to hear the matter this week. 

India