Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, DMK deputy general secretary and Thoothukudi MP, joined students protesting in Chennai to demand the withdrawal of the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The protest highlights concerns about voter disenfranchisement and the integrity of electoral processes.
- Kanimozhi claims around 13 crore voters nationwide lost their voting rights due to the SIR exercise.
- In Tamil Nadu, approximately 74 lakh voters were removed from the electoral rolls.
- Kanimozhi accuses the BJP-led government of undermining democracy and weakening opposition parties.
- She criticizes the appointment process of election commissioners as biased.
- Student protests demand the withdrawal of SIR and the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
What is the Special Summary Revision (SIR) and why is it controversial?
The Special Summary Revision (SIR) is a process to update the electoral rolls by adding new voters and removing names of those who are no longer eligible. However, Kanimozhi and student groups allege that the current SIR exercise has wrongly removed millions of legitimate voters from the rolls. According to Kanimozhi, about 13 crore citizens across India and nearly 74 lakh in Tamil Nadu lost their right to vote due to this exercise. This has raised concerns about disenfranchisement and the fairness of upcoming elections.
How has Kanimozhi criticized the government regarding the SIR and election commission?
Kanimozhi accused the BJP-led union government of undermining democratic institutions, secular values, and constitutional principles. She claimed that the government is using electoral processes to weaken opposition parties, especially regional ones that support state autonomy and federal rights. She also criticized the mechanism for appointing election commissioners, describing it as biased. The panel includes two members from the ruling party and one from the opposition, which she says allows the ruling party to override dissenting voices easily.
What impact has the SIR exercise had in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, the SIR exercise reportedly removed about 74 lakh voters from the electoral rolls. Kanimozhi pointed out that in the Kolathur constituency, represented by DMK party chief M.K. Stalin, nearly one lakh names were struck off, while legitimate deletions should have been no more than 20,000. This large-scale removal of voters has sparked protests and demands for the restoration of their voting rights.
How are students and youth involved in the protests?
Students and youth groups have been actively protesting against the SIR exercise across the country, including in New Delhi and Chennai. Kanimozhi expressed solidarity with these groups, praising their efforts to fight for free and fair elections. The youth-led protests have pressured the government to reconsider the SIR and demand accountability from election authorities.
What are the demands of the protesters?
The protesters are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the SIR exercise and the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They seek the restoration of the names of voters who were wrongly removed from the electoral rolls. Kanimozhi emphasized that the DMK will continue to support the protests until every disenfranchised voter is reinstated.
What has been Kanimozhi's response to the CEC's refusal to resign?
When asked about CEC Gyanesh Kumar's refusal to step down despite pressure, Kanimozhi stated that protests would continue until accountability is ensured. She reaffirmed the commitment to stand with the students and youth demanding justice and fair electoral processes.
The protest in Chennai reflects broader concerns about electoral integrity and democratic rights in India. The involvement of political leaders like Kanimozhi highlights the significance of these issues at both the state and national levels.
