Chennai, Dec 22 (NationPress) In a forceful statement, Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed that the Centre's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative has led to a significant number of voters being deemed ineligible throughout the state.

During a press briefing in Chennai, Udhayanidhi echoed Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s prior caution that the SIR process is being manipulated to disenfranchise votes from minorities, Dalits, and Muslims. “This is not merely an administrative task. It is, in fact, a calculated effort to disenfranchise marginalized communities,” he asserted.

Udhayanidhi noted that approximately 97 lakh names had been expunged from the voter registry in Tamil Nadu, with Chennai alone accounting for around 14 lakh removals. He urged the public to promptly check their names on the electoral roll, maintaining that the ruling DMK would assist anyone whose name was missing.

The Deputy Chief Minister also accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of trying to sway Tamil Nadu’s political scene through “external tactics orchestrated from Delhi.” Referring to Shah’s assertion of the BJP’s victory in the Bihar elections and its focus on Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi claimed that such remarks aim to intimidate the populace.

He further remarked that while such strategies might be effective in northern states like Bihar or Madhya Pradesh, they would not work in Tamil Nadu. “You may gain success in the North, but your plans will falter here,” he stated, emphasizing that the citizens of the state are politically aware and will not be intimidated by threats.

Udhayanidhi called on the public to take the matter seriously and to accept personal responsibility in confirming their voting rights. “Everyone must individually verify the integrity of their votes. If your name has been removed, please re-register immediately. We must protect our rights,” he stressed.

He assured that the DMK would provide full support to affected voters and guide them through the re-registration process.

As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, these comments are likely to escalate the political conflict between the state government and the Centre concerning electoral reforms and voter list revisions.

Udhayanidhi’s allegations emerge as the opposition BJP seeks to strengthen its foothold in Tamil Nadu, while the DMK positions itself as a guardian of democratic rights and minority interests.

This controversy is poised to intensify, with both factions preparing for a high-stakes electoral showdown in the upcoming months.