Why is the TN Minister Criticizing the EC and AIADMK?
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Synopsis
In a bold statement, Tamil Nadu Minister S. Raghupathi has raised serious allegations against the Election Commission and AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami. He claims they are colluding with the BJP to undermine Tamil voters' rights ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly elections, sparking widespread protests and legal actions by the DMK.
Key Takeaways
- Accusations against ECI: Minister Raghupathi claims the Election Commission is rushing the SIR with ulterior motives.
- DMK's Protests: The DMK has mobilized protests and legal action to oppose the SIR.
- Allegations of Collusion: EPS is accused of colluding with the BJP to undermine Tamil voters.
- Political Strategy: The SIR is viewed as a tactic to facilitate the BJP's broader agenda.
- Democratic Rights: The DMK emphasizes the protection of electoral rights for Tamil citizens.
Chennai, Nov 11 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Minister S. Raghupathi on Monday accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of operating with "hidden motives" in accelerating the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls prior to the 2026 Assembly elections. He claimed that the AIADMK and its leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) were "colluding with the BJP" to disenfranchise Tamil voters.
Raghupathi clarified that the DMK has "no objection" to the revision of voter rolls or the conduct of free and fair elections. "However," he expressed, "when the Election Commission hastens the SIR process without sufficient time, just months before the Assembly polls, it raises doubts about ulterior motives. The DMK opposes this action that jeopardizes the democratic rights of Tamil Nadu’s citizens."
The Minister stated that the DMK, along with its allies, organized protests across all district headquarters to challenge the SIR operation and protect the right to vote.
“To uphold democracy, the DMK not only demonstrated on the streets but also convened an all-party meeting and sought intervention from the Supreme Court against this process,” he noted.
Turning his criticism toward the opposition, Raghupathi accused AIADMK chief Edappadi Palaniswami of "betraying Tamil Nadu’s interests."
“EPS, who once claimed to know only democracy and not mythology, has now become the BJP’s most loyal follower. The AIADMK, lacking true commitment to democracy, has gone to court backing the SIR — a move even the BJP itself hasn’t dared to take,” he added.
Raghupathi alleged that EPS is "attempting to regain the Chief Minister’s position through deceit, just as he did at Koovathur," likening his current position to a "political surrender" to the BJP.
He asserted that the SIR is part of the BJP’s broader agenda to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Tamil Nadu and "endanger both the voting rights and citizenship of Tamils."
Additionally, he accused EPS of unconditionally supporting every BJP law and policy — from the CAA and agricultural laws to mining and power projects — mocking him as "a devoted servant acting under the banner, ‘I am your slave.’"
Raghupathi concluded by stating that while BJP allies in Bihar (JDU) and Andhra Pradesh (TDP) had refused to endorse similar operations, "only EPS has stooped to file a case backing the SIR, proving his submission to the BJP."
Point of View
It’s crucial to consider the implications of such accusations on democratic processes. The tensions between regional parties and national ones like the BJP highlight the delicate balance of power in Indian politics. The DMK's proactive stance reflects a commitment to uphold the rights of Tamil voters, ensuring their voices are heard in the political landscape.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main accusations made by S. Raghupathi?
S. Raghupathi accused the Election Commission of India of acting with hidden motives in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and alleged that AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami is colluding with the BJP to disenfranchise Tamil voters.
What actions has the DMK taken in response?
The DMK has organized protests across district headquarters and convened an all-party meeting while also approaching the Supreme Court against the SIR process.
How does the DMK view the SIR process?
The DMK opposes the SIR as it believes it threatens the democratic rights of Tamil Nadu's citizens and raises suspicions of ulterior motives by the Election Commission.
What does Raghupathi say about EPS's allegiance to the BJP?
Raghupathi claims that EPS has become the BJP's most loyal follower, accusing him of betraying Tamil Nadu's interests by supporting the SIR and aligning with BJP policies.
What is the significance of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in this context?
Raghupathi argues that the SIR is part of the BJP's larger plan to implement the CAA in Tamil Nadu, which could jeopardize the voting rights and citizenship of Tamils.
