Why Did Vijay Slam the EC’s Vote Roll Revision and Call DMK’s All-Party Meet ‘Political Theatre’?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vijay's boycott signals a significant opposition to electoral changes.
- Concerns over voter deletions highlight the risks associated with rushed processes.
- Seven recommendations aim to improve electoral transparency.
- The DMK faces criticism for alleged distractions from its own issues.
- Public awareness is crucial to protect democratic rights.
Chennai, Nov 2 (NationPress) In a bold move, actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay chose to boycott the all-party gathering hosted by the ruling DMK on Sunday, aimed at deliberating the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. He launched a fierce critique of both the Election Commission and the State government, asserting that the current initiative is “unconstitutional, politically motivated, and a threat to democracy.”
Vijay emphasized that the SIR poses a risk of mass voter deletions akin to the situation in Bihar, where “lakhs of minority voters were reportedly removed” during a similar revision. He expressed doubts about the EC’s transparency, challenging the practicality of verifying over 6.36 crore voters in Tamil Nadu within a mere 30 days.
“Such a hurried process jeopardizes the fundamental democratic rights of the populace,” he remarked. The TVK leader accused the DMK of orchestrating an all-party meeting to divert attention from its own corruption issues rather than taking a strong stand against the EC’s actions.
“If the DMK genuinely opposes it, why hasn’t it followed Kerala’s Assembly in passing a resolution against the SIR?” he questioned, branding the meeting “a deceptive political theatre intended to mislead the public.”
Vijay proposed seven significant recommendations to ensure a fair and transparent revision of the voter list. These recommendations include rectifying genuine errors, eliminating fraudulent entries, ensuring all eligible voters are included, accepting Aadhaar as valid proof of identity and age, and making the final rolls digitally accessible to both political parties and citizens.
He urged the EC to engage local representatives and independent observers to prevent widespread manipulation throughout the process. Asserting his party’s dedication to defending the democratic rights of individuals, Vijay announced that the TVK will initiate statewide awareness campaigns and monitor camps to ensure that no legitimate voter is disenfranchised.
“TVK stands resolutely with the people — for democracy, for rights, and for justice,” he declared.
Vijay’s decision to boycott and his pointed criticisms arise amidst escalating opposition from various political factions in Tamil Nadu against the SIR, which they argue could be exploited ahead of the Assembly elections.